Help for Dental and Orthodontic Emergencies

Dental and orthodontic emergencies can happen as a result of an accident or traumatic injury. If it happens to you, you should contact your primary care dentist or orthodontist as soon as possible to have the necessary treatment for your mouth or teeth. 

If a tooth has been dislodged, severely displaced, fractured, or knocked out, your dental professional should have the necessary experience and materials to treat these damages. If your orthodontic appliances are displaced or dislodged, call your orthodontic professional so they can determine the extent and urgency of the injury and schedule you accordingly.

General Soreness Can Arise with Braces

Although it’s not typically incredibly painful, teeth with braces may become sore after they are initially placed in the mouth. Soreness can also result from the periodic adjustments your braces will need. This discomfort is standard and should resolve completely within two to three days. To get fast relief, rinse your mouth with warm salt water or take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

When Soreness Arises from Orthodontic Appliances

If a loose wire irritates your mouth, cover it with beeswax or tuck it under the arch wire using a blunt object like a cotton swab or a pencil eraser. Tooth wax (also called dental wax or orthodontic wax or dental wax) can be helpful as well. It is a soft, waxy material that can be used to cover sharp wires and surfaces inside your mouth temporarily. It can help to protect the soft tissues (gums, lips, and the inner lining of the cheeks) in the mouth from scratching, scraping, and tearing. 

Orthodontic wax is usually clear and unnoticeable when applied. It is typically flavorless, although some varieties have added flavors like mint, bubble gum, or cherry. You can generally find dental wax at your local pharmacy. If you’re in a pinch, you can use chewing as a quick substitute. Dental wax is quite helpful in many cases of dental irritation, but it’s merely a temporary solution. Your orthodontist can recommend an appropriate treatment and work toward a long-term resolution.

A loose elastic band or bracket can generally be left as is until your orthodontist can see you. The loose appliance can be easily and quickly reattached, if necessary. If you have a stabbing or broken archwire, it can often be bent inward with a pencil erasure or cut off with nail clippers. If the problem does not resolve and can’t wait until your next scheduled visit, be sure to call your orthodontic professional to have your issue looked at and repaired.

What to Do About Your Palatal Expander

A palatal expander is a special orthodontic device used to widen the upper jaw so that the upper and lower upper teeth will fit together better. Your orthodontist can advise you how to turn your jaw expander, if necessary.

Getting Help

The help you need for dental and orthodontic emergencies is just a phone call away. The same can be said for someone who can help you receive compensation for injuries related to dental and orthodontic emergencies—a personal injury attorney. Don’t let the problem and your dental bills escalate until they’re unmanageable. Call an orthodontist in Laguna Niguel, CA like the professionals at John Redmond Orthodontics and schedule a consultation.