KNOWLEDGE CAN KEEP YOU CALM IN DENTAL EMERGENCIES

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. That can lead to confusion and even panic.

Call our Birmingham, AL dental office immediately at 205-545-8007 when you have a dental emergency. Dr. Perrigo will always try to see you the same day you call for an emergency appointment. Because he’s well trained and experienced, he can help you through this moment of crisis.

Two Big Ways To Prepare For Dental Emergencies

It’s impossible to predict dental emergencies. Sure, playing football is more risky for your smile than watching TV, but if a tooth is weak and you don’t know it, you could have a dental emergency just eating lunch. That’s why it pays to be prepared. Here are the two biggest ways you can prepare for such an emergency.

PUT OUR NUMBER IN YOUR PHONE TODAY

When you are dealing with bleeding from the mouth or a knocked-out tooth, the last thing you want to do is fumble around for the number to call. That’s why you can put our number (205-545-8007) in your phone’s contact list under “Dental Emergencies.” This way, getting help is just a button or two away.

BUILD YOURSELF A DENTAL EMERGENCY KIT

To help with medical emergencies, many people have first aid kits. While there are no dental first aid kits, you can make one yourself for dental emergencies.

Start by getting a box or container and labeling it “Dental Emergencies.” Then put the following inside:

• Sterile gauze
• Non-aspirin pain relievers
• Plastic gloves
• Dental cement (found in drugstores)
• A small, sealable container
• Our phone number and address

Store it somewhere you’ll remember (a bathroom is a good place) and let everyone in your home know it’s there.

What To Do For Specific Dental Emergencies

Again, you should call Perrigo Dental Care immediately whenever you have a dental emergency. But a little knowledge can go a long way to helping you stay calm. Here is what you should do if you encounter these specific dental emergencies.

However, there’s one important key to keep in mind: If you are bleeding and direct pressure will not stop it, go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Any such bleeding is the most important problem, so get that taken care of first.

BAD TOOTH PAIN

Whether it’s suddenly painful or an occasional toothache is getting too much to handle, call our Birmingham, AL dental office immediately and let us know what’s going on. Take some non-aspirin pain relievers and use cold pack on the outside of your mouth to manage the pain until you can be seen.

LOOSE TOOTH

You’ll be tempted to test just how loose that tooth is, but don’t! That could be the one thing to make your tooth fall out. Leave it alone, stop any bleeding with direct pressure, and call Perrigo Dental Care for an emergency appointment.

KNOCKED-OUT TOOTH

Pick up the lost tooth by its top, gently rinse it with water, and try placing it back in its socket. If it won’t stay there, put it in a small, sealable container with enough water or milk to cover it completely. Use direct pressure to stop any bleeding and call us immediately for an emergency appointment.

CHIPPED OR CRACKED TOOTH

Use cold packs and non-aspirin pain relievers for any pain. If you are bleeding, apply direct pressure to stop it. Then call our Birmingham, AL dental office for an emergency appointment. Even if you’re in no pain, anything strong enough to damage your enamel can cause internal damage you cannot see.

LOST FILLING OR CROWN

Don’t worry about the lost filling. Use dental cement as directed as a temporary filling to protect the cavity until you can be seen by Dr. Perrigo. You can also use dental cement as a temporary adhesive to stick a dental crown back on the tooth it came off.

If you are having a dental emergency of any kind, call us immediately at 205-545-8007. Dr. Perrigo has helped many patients over the years with their dental emergencies. But with a little knowledge in your arsenal, you can now stay calm and get the help you need.