Accidents can happen when they’re least expected, and unfortunately the teeth can be what suffer. It may be due to a fall that hits the mouth just right, or even something as simple as the kids playing catch with a baseball in the backyard. A tooth can become cracked, broken or even knocked out. Aside from the pain that may accompany the injury, many will understandably experience panic when looking in the mirror and seeing a broken or missing tooth. In a case such as this, knowing what to do and who to call can make the difference between a relatively minor dental emergency and a traumatic one. Becoming established with a Family Dentist in Oyster Bay NY, will make it simple to contact the dentist after normal office hours, for emergency assistance.
Fortunately, most broken, cracked or knocked out teeth can be repaired, if prompt care is taken when the injury occurs. When dealing with a broken tooth, it’s important to locate any fragments and bring them to the Locust Valley Dental Group, as soon as possible. Commonly the fragments can be reattached. If it’s not possible to reattach the pieces, most broken teeth can be repaired with a bonding procedure that will match the existing tooth color, making it blend in well and look non-obvious to others.
A knocked out tooth is usually more common in children, due to falls, sports injury or even roughhousing. If a tooth is knocked out, it’s important not to panic, but instead call the Family Dentist in Oyster Bay NY for assistance. The dental office usually will recommend that the patient comes into the office for treatment as quickly as possible. Locating the knocked out tooth is of utmost importance as it usually can be reset in the gum with much success. When the tooth is located, it should be held in the mouth during the trip to the dental office, keeping it moist with saliva. In the case of a young child, the tooth can be held in the parent’s mouth with satisfactory results.
Most dentists suggest taking the time to visit the website prior to a dental emergency to learn what steps to take in the event of one, as time is usually of the essence. Knowing who to call and what to do can be the difference between saving a tooth or losing one.
