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Orthodontic Injury in Palm Springs, CA
Orthodontic injuries are rare with the new technology used in appliances such as braces, retainers, and dental trays. However, injuries from a sudden trip or fall, auto accident, or a sports injury can require emergency dental care and orthodontic repair.
What is an Orthodontic Emergency?
The following symptoms can mean there is an acute injury or infection that requires immediate attention:
- Sudden redness or swelling in the mouth area,
- Intense pain in the oral or facial area,
- Impact trauma or injury to the teeth, mouth, or face.
At Tahquitz Dental Group Palm Springs, we have the experience to help you deal with dental trauma, including orthodontic injuries. Call our office immediately to determine if a dental or hospital emergency visit is better for your specific injury.
Non-Emergency Orthodontic Issues
Unexpected pain or discomfort doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an orthodontic emergency. To help you, here are a few examples of non-emergency orthodontic problems:
- Loose or broken orthodontic equipment — this includes brackets, bands, or wires for your braces. Do your best to come in as soon as possible for the dentist to conduct repairs. If necessary, cover the area with orthodontic wax to prevent abrasions or punctures. If a piece of your braces has come off completely, put the piece in a safe container, and then bring it with you to your scheduled appointment.
- Missing or poking pieces — this would include wires, brackets, or ties. If the archwire that holds your braces together and provides tension to move your teeth into alignment comes out of place, carefully use a Q-tip or other soft tool to move the wire back into place. If a bracket or tie is causing a problem, redirect the piece back into place using tweezers. If you are not successful, or are concerned that it was not done correctly, then be sure to call our office.
- Loose components or general pain — with any new orthodontic appliance or an adjustment to an orthodontic appliance, you can expect some mild irritation to your cheeks or the back of your mouth for a few days. As your teeth are being repositioned, they may at times feel loose, however, this is also to be expected. Eating soft foods, using over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, rinsing your mouth with mild salt water, and holding a warm washcloth or heating pad against the outside of your jaw can help relieve your discomfort.
Whether you have an orthodontic emergency or not, rest assured that our team at Tahquitz Dental Group Palm Springs has the expertise to help you deal with orthodontic injuries, repairs, or pain. Call our office for sympathetic care today!