With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading across the nation, many businesses are required to close. At Dr. Drew Shulman’s office, we’re here to take care of our patients for dental emergencies throughout this crisis. Dr. Shulman, a dentist in Northeast Philadelphia, explains what falls under the category of a dental emergency and what to do if you experience one.
What to Do During a Dental Emergency
The very first thing you should do in the event of a dental emergency is to call us immediately. We want to get you into the office as soon as possible. Below are some common dental emergencies and what you can do at home before you’re able to be seen:
Severe Tooth Pain
Tooth pain that’s sharp and severe isn’t something that should be ignored. There can be many causes of tooth pain, and it’s much easier to treat all of them sooner rather than later. These causes include tooth decay, an abscess, or an infection. Many times, the cause can’t be determined until it’s examined by a dentist. Take over the counter pain medication to help ease the pain and use a cold compress if you experience any swelling.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If you have an adult tooth that gets knocked out, it’s important to make sure you stay calm and don’t panic. Don’t try to put the tooth back in the socket yourself. If you can find the tooth, pick it up by the crown and avoid touching the tooth root. Gently rinse off your tooth, without scrubbing it. Place it in a cup of milk or your own saliva to try to preserve the tooth as much as possible.
Dr. Shulman will assess if the tooth can be reused. If not, our office offers many replacement options for missing teeth. Dr. Shulman recommends dental implants as the preferred option of tooth replacement. They’re the most natural form of replacement, as they replace both the crown and tooth root.
Broken Dental Crown or Bridge
While dental restorations are made to last, sometimes accidents happen. If your dental crown breaks or falls out, do your best to retrieve it. You can bring it to the appointment, but dental crowns are rarely able to be reused. Most likely, a new dental crown will have to be molded and made for your tooth.
If you break a dental bridge, collect the pieces and bring them into the office. Dr. Shulman will have to evaluate the bridge and determine if it’ll be best to repair it or to create another one for you.
Your Dentist in Northeast Philadelphia
We’re here for you for dental emergencies during this trying time. After the pandemic is over, you’ll also want to make sure that the stress hasn’t messed with your smile. Call us or schedule an appointment online for the future. We hope to see you soon!