Emergency Dentist in Torrance Gives Steps to Get Out of Dental Pain

When you’ve broken your leg in an accident or have extreme stomach pain, your first thought is to get to the hospital as soon as possible. However, what would you do if you woke up one morning and your tooth suddenly started aching? What if you went to drink your morning cup of coffee only to feel tooth sensitivity that doesn’t go away? Would you visit the emergency room then?

According to an emergency dentist in Torrance, your next action should be to contact them. To learn more about what constitutes as a dental emergency and the right steps to take, keep reading!

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

It’s important to be able to distinguish a dental emergency from a simple dental issue that can be addressed during normal business hours. For example, if you notice tooth sensitivity, but it doesn’t linger after you’ve removed the stimuli, then you aren’t experiencing a dental emergency. The same applies for cosmetic chips in teeth if no pain is present.

However, if you are experiencing any of the following issues, contact the dentist right away to schedule an appointment for the same day:

• Knocked-out teeth
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Damaged or loose restorations
• Severe toothache
• Long-term sensitivity to hot and cold

Keep in mind that not all dental emergencies should require first visiting the dentist. If you suspect that your jaw is broken or you’re experiencing severe oral bleeding, a visit to the emergency room would be more appropriate. Once you’ve stabilized, then you should contact an emergency dentist.

Self-Care Tips to Reduce Pain and Save Teeth

• Knocked-out teeth – Start by locating the tooth and cleaning the outside, making sure to avoid touching the root and leaving any existing tissue attached. Then, attempt to place the tooth back into your socket. If impossible, store the tooth in a container filled with milk, saltwater or saliva. This will preserve it for up to an hour and improve your chances of reimplanting it.
• Severe Toothache – Start by taking ibuprofen, making sure not to take any more than three per day. Use a cold compress to further reduce swelling, making sure to apply and remove the compress in 20-minute intervals.
• Cracked or Broken Teeth – Take ibuprofen and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you get to your dentist. Use a cold compress to reduce any swelling as previously mentioned.
• Damaged or Loose Restorations – Use either dental cement, denture adhesive or petroleum jelly to reseat a loose crown. This will protect the inner tooth from bacteria exposure. If the restoration is lost or too damaged to place, apply clove oil to the affected tooth with a cotton swab to dull the pain, then apply dental cement to temporarily cover the tooth until you get to the dentist.
• Sensitive Teeth – Use a mixture of warm water and one spoonful of honey to reduce inflammation and swelling, accelerate healing and manage pain caused by sensitivity.

A dentist in Torrance is prepared to get you out of pain fast. Schedule your appointment today!

About the Author

Dr. Sanaz Hamzehpour works hard to provide fast and effective relief for those experiencing dental emergencies. With her additional training in laser dentistry, root canal therapy and other relevant restorative treatments, she’s ready to save your smile and reduce your discomfort in the process. To learn more about her practice, you can contact her through her website.