Emergency Dental Care: What You Need to Know

Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly and can be very painful. Whether it’s a chipped tooth, broken crown, or toothache, immediate attention from a dental professional is necessary to avoid further complications. You can visit Finesse Dental’s Stanhope Gardens clinic if you need immediate attention. Here’s what you need to know about emergency dental care.

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies can vary from person to person but generally include any instance where immediate attention from a dental professional is required. Some common dental emergencies include:

Severe toothache or pain
Broken or chipped tooth
Knocked-out tooth
Lost filling or crown
Abscess or infection in the gums
Oral bleeding

What to Do in a Dental Emergency?

If you experience a dental emergency, acting fast and seeking professional help is essential. Some quick steps to take include:

Contacting a Dental Professional – Call your dentist; if you can’t reach them, find an emergency dentist or dental clinic in your area.

Rinse Your Mouth – Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and relieve any pain.

Control the Bleeding – Apply pressure to the affected area to control bleeding, especially if you experience oral bleeding.

Protect the Tooth – If you have a knocked-out tooth, try and place it back into the socket or preserve it in milk until you can see a dental professional.

Manage Pain – Take over-the-counter pain medication, like Tylenol or Advil, to help manage pain or discomfort.

What to Expect During Emergency Dental Care?

During emergency dental care, the dental professional will assess the situation and provide immediate treatment to alleviate pain and prevent further damage. The treatment may include the following:

Removing any damaged or broken tooth
Treating any infections or abscesses
Providing temporary tooth replacements or fillings

In some cases, the dental professional may refer you to a specialist for long-term treatment.

I’m not sure if what I’m experiencing is a dental emergency. What should I do?

Some situations aren’t dental emergencies. In other words, you should still see your dentist as soon as possible, but waiting for an appointment during regular business hours is OK. Examples of issues that aren’t dental emergencies include:

Dull or mild toothache.
A small chip or crack in a tooth.
Broken braces.
Object stuck between your teeth.
Minor soft tissue injury (like a small cut or sore).

Remember, though, if you have severe bleeding or pain, you should immediately see a dental or healthcare provider.

How can I manage my symptoms until I see my dentist?

Dull toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water. Floss your teeth to see if there’s anything lodged between them. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen. Never place aspirin directly on your gums. It will burn your tissue. Call your dentist to schedule an appointment.
A small chip or crack in your tooth: If you have a chip or crack in your tooth that’s not causing any pain, it’s OK to wait until your dentist can see you. But if any sharp edges irritate your tongue or cheeks, cover the area with orthodontic wax. (You can purchase orthodontic wax in the oral health aisle at most pharmacies.)
Broken braces: Unless you bleed from your mouth, broken braces usually aren’t a dental emergency. If you have a broken wire poking you in the cheek or tongue, gently bend the end of the wire using a pencil eraser or other blunt object. Then cover the wire with orthodontic wax until you can see your dentist or orthodontist.
Object stuck between your teeth: If you have something lodged between your teeth, try to gently remove it using dental floss or an interproximal brush. Never try to remove an object with sharp instruments.
Minor soft tissue injury: Thoroughly rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution or antibacterial mouthwash. Apply pressure to the affected area using a piece of clean cotton gauze. The bleeding should stop within 15 to 20 minutes. If you still have severe bleeding after that, you should seek immediate care.

When should I go to the ER for tooth pain?

If your dentist’s office isn’t open when tooth pain develops, you should visit your nearest emergency room. The ER staff can help ease your symptoms until you see your dentist.

What can an emergency room do for a toothache?

Emergency room providers can prescribe medications, such as antibiotics or pain relievers, to alleviate pain and swelling. But they don’t perform restorative treatments, such as fillings or crowns. Once you receive dental emergency care at the ER, you’ll still need to see your dentist as soon as they’re back in their office.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies?

While dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, there are some steps you can take to prevent them. These include:

Practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly
Wearing sports mouthguards during sports activities
Avoiding chewing on hard foods or objects
Regularly visiting your dentist for checkups

Final Thoughts

Dental emergencies can be frightening, but with the right knowledge and prompt attention, you can avoid serious complications and get the necessary care. If you experience a dental emergency, don’t delay – seek professional help immediately. And remember to take preventive measures to keep your teeth healthy and avoid potential emergencies.