Dental emergencies can occur for a wide variety of reasons. When they do, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the nature of the emergency, it may still be possible to save a tooth you might otherwise lose if you were to wait to seek treatment.

At Dental Clinic of Onalaska, with locations in Onalaska and Trempealeau, WI, their general dentists will take a close look at the damage to determine how best to preserve your tooth. In an emergency, they recommend keeping the following points in mind.

An Onalaska Dentist Shares Information About Saving Teeth During Emergencies

1. When a Tooth Is Knocked Out

If a tooth is knocked out, it’s not always permanent. Find the tooth, being careful to hold it by the crown. If it’s dirty, rinse it in water. Try to insert the tooth gently back into its socket if possible. If not, keep it in a cup or small plastic bag of milk. Head to your dental clinic right away to find out if it can be reinserted.

2. When a Tooth Chips or Breaks

The first thing you should do when a tooth chips or breaks is rinse out your mouth thoroughly to ensure any damaged tissue is clean. Try to find any large portions of the tooth that have been knocked out. If you do find them, store them in milk. Regardless, see your family dentist immediately.

3. When You Experience Sudden Dental Pain

If you’re experiencing sudden dental pain, apply a cold compress to reduce the swelling, check to see if there are any pieces of food or other materials stuck in the teeth, and visit your general dentist to learn more about the cause.

Dental emergencies aren’t always avoidable; however, with help from the dentists at Dental Clinic of Onalaska, you can prevent minor issues from turning into major problems. Contact them online to learn more or call (608) 783-3341.