How to Build a Dental Emergency First Aid Kit 

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While most people are well-prepared to handle basic emergency situations at home like burns and lacerations, a lot of people also don’t know how to react when they are dealing with a dental emergency. As an emergency dentist in Sugar Land, TX, we are here to guide our patients and make sure they have the necessary tools when an unexpected emergency arises. Part of getting prepared is building your own dental emergency first-aid kit at home.

Sterile Gauze

Sterile gauze can serve several different purposes when you are dealing with a dental emergency. For one, if you have lost a tooth, have sustained an oral laceration, or have experienced some level of trauma that has led to bleeding, it will be important to have sterile gauze on hand to apply pressure to the wound. Steril gauze can also be used to handle a tooth when you don’t want to handle it with your hands.

Dental Mirror

Trauma to the oral cavity and teeth is not always readily visible by looking in a standard mirror. A dental mirror is a small instrument with a mirror that allows you to get a closer look at the interior of your mouth from the anterior angles.

Temporary Filling

You can purchase temporary filling material over the counter at just about any department or drug store. This putty-like material is malleable and packaged in a small container. If you sustain damage to one of your teeth or if a filling falls out, this malleable material can be used to protect the area until you get to the dentist.

Sealable Container

A good sealable container, such as a plastic container with a lid or a zippered baggie should be included in your dental first-aid kit. If a tooth is broken or knocked out, it will need to be protected from contamination until you get to the dentist.

Don’t forget contact information for an emergency dentist in Sugar Land, TX

It never hurts to take note of the nearest emergency dentist in Sugar Land, TX so you know exactly who to call when you need help. Reach out to us at First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry if you would like to know more about our same-day emergency dental care options.

Dental Emergencies

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Got a toothache that won’t go away? Cracked a tooth or lost a crown?

These are dental emergencies that should be addressed as soon as possible. First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry are here to help, but it’s important that you contact us immediately by phone or text.

Common Dental Emergencies

Any immediately threatening dental situation can be an emergency, but most of the time, dental emergencies are related to one of two things:

• Impact to the Mouth

Cracked, chipped, and other broken teeth need immediate treatment. This goes for permanent teeth that have been completely knocked out as well. If the latter occurs, make sure you do not handle the tooth by its roots or brush or wash it. Put it back in its socket if possible or place it in a container of water, milk, or saliva. Again, contact us right away for the best chances of saving your tooth.

• Infection

Tooth infections or abscesses can happen for any number of reasons, including poor hygiene or food particle build-up, infection following tooth extraction, or a cavity that’s become infected. Without treatment, a tooth infection won’t go away, so you’ll need to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Interim Pain Management for Dental Emergencies

If seeking medical care is not an option right away, consider these pain management steps to quell pain in the meantime:

• Ice packs on the outer cheek(s)

• Ibuprofen (do not take aspirin)

• Benzocaine and other OTC dental anesthetics

• Warm water rinses

• Heating pads for jaw discomfort and pain

• Cotton over a sharp, broken tooth edge

Have a Dental Emergency in the Fort Bend County Area?

First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offer same-day emergency dental care for those times when scheduling an appointment is not an option. It’s important not to wait for care when you have an emergency as some dental issues may worsen and even become life-threatening without treatment.

If you have a dental emergency during business hours, feel free to call or text now for same-day care.

If your emergency is after hours, please call our emergency dentist number at (281) 494-3368.

When Should I Consider it a Dental Emergency?

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A dental emergency occurs when you have an injury, infection or something else that poses an immediate threat to your teeth, mouth or supporting tissues. When you have a dental emergency, you need to seek medical attention right away to ensure the best outcome possible.

If possible, your Sugar Land, TX dentist should be your first contact. If your emergency occurs after hours, you’ll want to go to your nearest emergency room for treatment.

But how do you know what’s a dental emergency and what’s not? Below are the situations that warrant emergency dental care.

Knocked Out Tooth

If you knock out a permanent tooth, this is a dental emergency. If you can’t put your tooth temporarily back in its socket, place it in some type of container in water or milk to keep it moist. Don’t brush the tooth or touch the roots. The sooner you get treatment, the better chance they’ll be able to save the tooth. If a baby tooth is knocked out, this isn’t a dental emergency, but you may still want to call the dentist for instructions.

Fractured or Cracked Tooth

A fractured or cracked tooth is also a dental emergency. A cracked or fractured tooth usually means you have damage inside and outside of the tooth. While a cracked tooth may not cause you pain, it can lead to nerve damage in the tooth’s root, and require emergency cracked tooth repair.

If you’re not sure if you’re experiencing a dental emergency or not, ask yourself these questions:

  • Are you experiencing severe pain?
  • Is your mouth bleeding?
  • Is your mouth or facial area swelling?
  • Is your tooth loose?
  • Do you have any swelling, bulges or knots on your gums?
  • Were you hit in the mouth or face?

If you answer yes to any of these, you may have a dental emergency and should seek help.

Other Dental Emergencies

Other oral emergencies that warrant immediate dental care include:

  • Jaw pain
  • Broken fillings
  • Sore or swollen gums
  • Significant sensitivity
  • Infection
  • Substantially discomforting toothache
  • Lost crown
  • Broken fillings

You need immediate treatment for any dental problem to alleviate pain, stop ongoing tissue bleeding or save your tooth. Don’t hesitate with an abscess or infection as they can be life-threatening. When in doubt give your dentist a call if you can or pay the emergency room a visit.

First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers same-day emergency dental care. If you have a dental emergency in the Sugar Land and Missouri, TX areas, call us at (281) 494-3368.