Like any emergency, dental emergencies can appear when we least expect them. One moment we’re biking on a warm Saturday or eating a toasted sandwich at our favorite restaurant, the next moment we’re grabbing our mouth in pain. While dental emergencies are typically not as severe as other situations, they still need to be examined by an emergency dentist.
If you don’t know if you’re having a dental emergency, your dentist is here to help. Here’s what to do before your appointment.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
If you ever experience tooth sensitivity once in awhile or when exposing your teeth to hot or cold substances, it doesn’t constitute as an emergency, meaning you can wait until normal business hours to address. If you find yourself in any of the following situations, it’s considered a dental emergency:
- Severe toothache
- Fractured tooth (especially when the crack extends below the gumline)
- Knocked-out or partially dislodged tooth
- Lost/damaged restorations
- Object stuck in teeth
- Jaw or gum tissue Injury
- Oral bleeding
If you experience severe bleeding or your jaw is broken, you’ll want to head to the emergency room before the dentist. Once you’re stable, the dentist will be better able to assist you.
An Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Tooth
When a tooth is knocked-out entirely, the first step should be to locate it and rinse any dirt or debris from the crown. Make sure to avoid touching the root as doing so will reduce your chances of successfully reimplanting the tooth later. Make sure to leave any tissue attached to the root as well. Once rinsed, attempt to place the tooth back into its original position. This is the best way to preserve it until getting to your dentist.
If this is not possible, keep the tooth in a container of milk, saliva, saline solution, or salt water to preserve it for up to an hour. Then, contact your emergency dentist right away! The longer you wait, the less chance reimplantation can happen.
Severe Tooth Pain
Start by flossing the area around the tooth to make sure no food or debris is stuck. If pain persists, contact your dentist. A toothache could be a result of multiple conditions, such as a cavity, abscess, or even infection, but you won’t know until you visit the dentist. Until then, take over-the-counter painkillers to alleviate the area.
A Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth/Restoration
If you can find any pieces of your broken tooth, bring them to your dentist. To reduce any swelling that occurs, place a cold compress over the affected cheek. Apply the compress for 20 minute intervals (20 minutes on and 20 off.) If your filling or crown has come off, apply clove oil to the tooth before using dental cement, denture adhesive, or petroleum jelly to temporarily reseat it. Be sure to save any pieces to bring to your dentist as well.
When a dental emergency occurs, don’t panic! Simply follow the right steps and contact your emergency dentist today to get the treatment you need!
About the Author
Dr. James A. Moreau Jr. earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the L.S.U. School of Dentistry. When you arrive, he’ll do everything he can to replace damaged or missing teeth through his many restorative and cosmetic treatments. To learn more about his practice, contact him through his website.