Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them
Painful (and stressful) dental emergencies can happen at any time, which is why knowing how to handle them can make a big difference in the outcome. Your dentist sees a variety of emergencies in the practice daily, and we wanted to share these common causes with you so you’re better prepared if you find yourself in the same situation.
Toothache: A toothache can be caused by a variety of things, such as a cavity, infection, or injury. To help alleviate the pain, you can rinse your mouth with warm water, use dental floss to remove any food that may be stuck, and take over-the-counter pain medication. If the pain persists, you should make an appointment with your dentist.
Chipped or Broken Tooth: If you chip or break a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply cold compresses to the affected area to reduce swelling. If the tooth is painful, take over-the-counter pain medication. If the tooth is chipped, your dentist may be able to repair it. If the tooth is broken, sometimes an extraction or root canal may be necessary.
Lost Filling or Crown: If you lose a filling or crown, try to find the lost piece and bring it with you to your dental appointment as your dentist may be able to reattach it. In the meantime, you can use over-the-counter dental cement or sugarless gum to temporarily seal the tooth.
Knocked-Out Tooth: If you knock out a tooth, try to find the tooth and hold it by the crown (the white part) without touching the root. Rinse the tooth off with water and try to put it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk or water and make a visit with your dentist as soon as possible for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Soft Tissue Injury: If you bite your tongue, lip, or cheek, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply cold compresses to the affected area to reduce swelling. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, go to the emergency room.
If you experience a dental emergency, it’s important to remain calm and act quickly. By knowing how to handle these common emergencies, you’ll be better prepared to deal with them and minimi[z]e the damage.
It’s important to remember that prevention is key. Regular visits with our team is one way you can stay on top of your oral health. If you’re in need of a visit, give your dentist a call.
