Tips for Dental Trauma First-Aid

Significant dental trauma, whether from a sports injury or household accident, can impact the mouth and cause significant pain, bleeding, and other complications. In a scenario such as this, you will likely need to apply some basic oral first-aid while seeking professional treatment from a dentist like Dr. Duke Kim.

Sometimes, a hard blow to the face could convey enough force to knock out a tooth or cause it to cleave or fracture at the gumline. Dr. Duke Kim might be able to successfully to implant a knocked out tooth back into its periodontal socket if it is still intact and kept alive.

You can preserve a knocked-out tooth by keeping it moist between your cheek and gums. There is also a special tooth-preservation product sold in some stores. This container holds a Hanks Balanced Salt Solution. Soaking the tooth in the solution can help keep the tooth alive without the inconvenience of having to hold it in your mouth.

Any lingering blood in your mouth can quickly be rinsed away with a little bit of lukewarm salt water. This might help you to get a clear view of the damage to the tooth’s socket and other soft tissues.

When you arrive at Ballston Dental Arts, Dr. Duke Kim and his staff can quickly assess the severity of the problem. Then, he can help you understand your treatment options.

If you live in the Arlington VA, area, and if you have recently suffered a severe dental trauma, you should call (703) 291-3111 to schedule an emergency appointment at Ballston Dental Arts.