Braces, retainers, bionators for overbites and other dental appliances help you get a beautiful, healthy smile. Your dentist will give you a list of foods to avoid. Not eating these foods will help prevent problems. However, problems can still pop up with these appliances. Here’s what to do until you can see your Emergency Dentist St. Petersburg.
Concussion or Head Injury
A huge blow to the face such as a fall or being in a car accident causes injuries to the mouth, face and dental appliances. Whenever you suffer a blow to the head, call an ambulance or go the hospital. It can take hours for pain, dizziness and swelling to begin after suffering a concussion. Make sure you do not have any fractures. After the emergency medical staff is sure that you do not have any fractures or internal injuries, check to see if your dental appliance is loose. See your emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Tooth Loss
If a tooth should come out while you are still wearing braces or other dental appliances, you may be able to save the tooth. Rinse the tooth off in warm water. Do not remove any bits of flesh from the tooth. Place the tooth in a container of milk and bring it with you to the emergency dentist. If the wound keeps bleeding, place an ice bag or cold compress onto the injured area as best you can. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. This should not only help slow down bleeding but also help to reduce swelling. It’s best to get someone else to drive you to the dentist so you can hold a compress to your mouth.
Broken Wires
Broken wires can cut your tongue, gums or cheeks. Do not try to break any protruding wire off. Place orthodontist wax, cotton ball or a glob of sugarless chewing gum onto the bit that is bothering you. Sometimes wires can be pushed back into place using the eraser side of a pencil. However, this is not the most sanitary of methods but can do until you can see your dentist.
