How to Prepare for a Dental Emergency

In a time of crisis, it can be difficult to think clearly if you're unprepared. But if you've prepared in advance for a potential emergency situation by doing your research, there's no need to panic. It's possible you will never experience a dental emergency, but just in case, here are a few things to keep in mind that will help you stay calm.

Tips to Avoid Dental Injuries

Certain tooth injuries can be avoided by following a few simple guidelines:

1. Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day for two minutes each time.
2. If you play football, hockey, basketball, or any other sport that involves contact between players, always wear a mouthguard. Ask our team about getting a custom mouthguard.
3. Wear a well-fitting helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle.
4. If you grind and clench your teeth at night, we can fit you with a nightguard.
5. Avoid eating ice, hard candy, and sticky caramel candy. Additionally, watch out for popcorn kernels.
6. Never use your teeth to tear or open any sort of packaging.

Tips to Handle a Dental Emergency

Call Summit Family Dentistry at 303-625-7997

If you have a dental emergency, calling our office should be one of the first things you do. Time is of the essence; the sooner you receive professional dental care, the better chance of preventing any lasting damage to your oral health. We are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM so we can take care of dental emergencies that occur anywhere from early in the morning to late in the evening!

Loose Filling or Crown

If a filling or crown comes loose and is still in your mouth, remove it carefully to avoid swallowing or inhaling it. (However, if you do accidentally swallow it, you should be OK, but inhalation can be very serious.) After removing the filling or crown from your mouth, clean the exposed area by rinsing it with a up of warm water mixed with 1 teaspoon salt to help prevent infection. You may experience some sensitivity so brush gently and avoid consuming foods and beverages that are very hot or very cold. Applying temporary dental cement or dental wax may help reduce your discomfort until you can come see us.

Loose or Broken Tooth

If your tooth gets knocked out, get to our office ASAP! Your tooth can be saved if it's properly returned to its socket within 30-60 minutes of the accident. In the meantime, do not touch the root of your tooth; only handle it by its crown (chewing surface). Keep your tooth moist by placing it back in its socket, in a container with milk, in a tooth-preservation kit, saliva, or water. In the case of a broken or cracked tooth, gently rinse out your mouth with warm salt water and bring any tooth fragments in milk or water to your appointment.

Same-Day Emergency Dental Care in Littleton, CO

If you ever do have a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call us at Summit Family Dentistry so we can get you in to see our expert team as soon as possible!

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