Step one. Don't panic. Modern dentistry is capable of restoring your smile in the aftermath of most common emergencies. There are things you can do to improve the healing process, but in case of an accident, you can always entrust yourself to the capable hands of a professional, like Dr. Timothy Lethin in Anchorage, AK.
Toothache
The important thing to remember is that if you're in pain, you should absolutely contact your dentist. But whether to schedule an appointment in the next available office hours, or whether you require immediate treatment now, depends wholly on your level of pain.
You can rinse your mouth with warm water and try over the counter anti-inflammatory medication for very mild pain, but scheduling a visit remains as important. You don't want to wait for that pain to worsen.
Chipped and Cracked
If the chip or crack happened to a veneer or a crown, or any other dental appliance, and there is no sharp edge that can cut you, it can wait a day or two.
Even on a natural tooth, if the chip isn't too great, and it's painless, it could probably also wait. But do give your dentist a call for advice.
Larger cracks and chips, especially those that have caused damage beyond the enamel layer should be treated as soon as possible. If they don't hurt now, they will hurt later.
Knocked Out
Losing a tooth is absolutely an emergency, no doubt about it. The sooner your tooth can be reattached the better chances you have of it healing properly.
In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends attempting to reinsert the tooth back in its socket if at all possible. But as always, try to contact your dentist before attempting it.
Even a child's baby tooth, if knocked out before it's ready to come out, it can impact how the adult tooth erupts. Your dentist will save the space for the coming tooth with a special treatment.
The way to preserve a tooth is in a container with milk until you reach your dentist's office. Make sure not to handle the tooth by the root, or damage the nerves there.
Emergency Dental Care in Anchorage, AK
Not all cases require it, but if you find yourself in an emergency don't think twice about calling your Anchorage, AK, dentist, Dr. Lethin by dialing (907) 337-9474.