Following these helpful hints could help you preserve the health of your smile.

Of course you don’t like the idea of dealing with a dental emergency, but unfortunately they happen more often than you may realize. Whether cracking a tooth during lunchtime or incurring a dental injury while in the heat of a game, a dental emergency can happen anytime. If you break, chip, or lose a tooth, just keep calm and call your South Pasadena dentist Dr. John Chu for treatment.

A dental emergency always warrants a trip to our office, but it’s still important to be able to treat your symptoms right away to ease any discomfort you may be experiencing before you come in.

How to handle pain and swelling

For those with minor to moderate pain and swelling, many patients find the relief they need from over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. If you would like to ease your pain and inflammation without medication, then it’s time to pull out the ice packs. Icing the affected side for about 10 to 20 minutes at a time several times a day can ease your pain and swelling.

How to handle the tooth

Whether you’ve knocked out your entire tooth or only chipped off a piece, there are specific ways to handle the tooth to make sure you don’t cause further damage to it. If you have knocked out a tooth, always hold it by the crown only and never the roots. If possible, try to place the full tooth back into the socket. If this doesn’t work then you will need to keep the tooth moist by placing it in a container of milk or water.

A knocked-out tooth can often be saved if you see your South Pasadena dentist within an hour of the incident. If you’ve chipped a tooth, also try to gather any pieces you can and place them in a protective container.

How to manage bleeding

Did you bite into your cheek or tongue? Bleeding can often result from common soft tissue injuries like this. For more minor issues you can apply pressure to the area using gauze or a soft towel. If bleeding is severe or lasts more than 15 minutes, then it’s time to seek emergency medical attention.

Don’t ignore a dental emergency or try to treat the issue yourself. Even the most minor problems can become worse if you don’t receive the proper care from your South Pasadena dentist. We handle all of your dental needs, from emergencies to routine care. Come in immediately if you are experiencing a true dental emergency and let us preserve your oral health.