Dentist Urges Patients To Understand Dental Emergencies

PALM DESERT, Calif. - Aug. 16, 2016 - PRLog -- Dr. Marc LeBlanc of Portola Dental Group has issued a statement to both patients and non-patients alike that it is wise to understand what to do in case of a dental emergency.  "I am often asked what to do if a tooth gets knocked out, or if someone suffers a blow to the mouth that results in a cut or damage.  A little understanding of what to do in these situations can save your teeth, and potentially save your life," Dr. LeBlanc states.  "Understanding the different types of dental emergencies can lead you to the correct facility to appropriately handle the situation, and making the wrong choice can cost precious minutes that could cost you your teeth."

In the case of a blow to the mouth that results in a tooth or teeth being knocked out or severely loosened, you should immediately assess if there is any profuse bleeding happening in the mouth.  In the case of a trauma to the mouth, many times the tongue is bitten or the insides of the mouth suffer cuts, which can bleed profusely.  In the case of blood loss beyond a small amount, immediately go to an emergency room where they are equipped to stop the blood loss and deal with trauma.  Blood loss from the mouth can lead to death, as there are significant amounts of blood delivered to the tongue and inside of the mouth by the body.  A severe cut to the soft tissues can bleed profusely, leading to a dangerous situation that can require significant amounts of stitches or even a transfusion.  It is important to realize that your local dentist office is not equipped to deal with situations like these.

If a tooth or teeth is knocked out but there is not significant bleeding, it is possible that the teeth can be re-implanted and survive if the procedure is completed within a very short timeframe.  In addition to this, the teeth must be preserved as much as possible when they are outside the body and not being fed a supply of blood.  If a tooth is knocked completely free, place it into a container of cold milk if possible.  If no milk is available, use any non-acidic liquid like water.  If there is no water present, use saliva (enough to cover the tooth completely, even if this requires saliva from others.) Get yourself and the tooth to a dentist as quickly as possible, calling ahead to make sure they are able to handle the situation, and are even open at the time.  Travel to a dental office or clinic that is closed or cannot handle the implanting can coast precious time that could save your teeth.

Keep an emergency dentist contact in your purse or wallet that lists your dentist's name, phone number and address.  This will give you more time to make sure that they are available and can treat an emergency case like yours.  Ask ahead at your next dentist visit to see if your dentist can even handle emergencies.  If they can, keep their contact information on your person at all times, as well as contact information for your doctor and local hospital.

Being prepared in the event of a dental emergency can potentially save your teeth, and even your life.  In Palm Desert, keep Portola Dental Group's information handy. http://www.portoladentalgroup.com