What Is A Dental Emergency?
Typically, any dental issue requiring immediate intervention to halt bleeding, relieve intense pain, or preserve a tooth is deemed an emergency. Such situations can arise from accidents, altercations, a cavity reaching the nerve, among other causes. This classification also encompasses severe infections posing potential threats to life.
Do I Need Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry holds the potential to preserve your natural teeth, prevent the spread of infection throughout your body, and more. For instance, if a tooth is dislodged due to an accident, there is the possibility of reattachment, but this is time-sensitive. Reinstating your natural tooth enables you to sidestep costly implants and uncomfortable procedures. Likewise, addressing other dental emergencies promptly can facilitate more organic, cost-effective treatments.
- Pain that inhibits your ability to eat or sleep.
- Teeth that have been knocked out.
- Braces that are broken or loose.
- Teeth that are chipped, cracked, or broken.
- A filling or crown that has come loose or is missing.
- An abscess or “pimple” present at the gumline.
It is advisable to seek emergency dental care if you encounter the following situations:
Here's How to Handle The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can indeed be alarming, yet remaining calm is crucial. If you find yourself in such a situation, please don’t panic; execute the first aid measures listed below, and consult a dentist at your earliest convenience.
Toothache
Place a cold compress or ice pack on the impacted area. Consider taking a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil). It is advisable to avoid Aspirin as it acts as an anticoagulant, and if surgery is necessary, it could thin your blood and exacerbate bleeding. When administering medication, adhere to your doctor’s guidance and the directions provided on the medication packaging. Record the name, dosage, and time of the medication taken.
Knocked-Out Teeth
Should a whole natural tooth be dislodged and is relatively clean, first ensure that you handle it by the crown and not the root, and promptly attempt to reinsert it into the socket to preserve the viability of the reattachment cells. If the tooth isn’t clean, gently rinse it without scrubbing. If reinsertion proves challenging, submerge the tooth in a cup of warm milk. Acting swiftly within the hour significantly enhances the likelihood of saving a knocked-out tooth. Reach out to us without delay to optimize the chances of preserving your tooth.
Broken Teeth
In the event that a portion of your tooth breaks off, locate and preserve all the fragments. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any smaller pieces. Should bleeding occur, place a piece of sterile gauze on the affected area until the bleeding ceases. Utilizing a cold compress or ice pack can alleviate some of the pain and swelling. To facilitate the restoration of the tooth and avert additional damage, please contact us immediately.
Abscess
Should you develop an abscess, regularly rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution (half a teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water) throughout the day. This practice aims to alleviate pain and draw the pus towards the surface. An abscess constitutes an infection at the tooth’s root or between the teeth and gums, capable of damaging tissue and adjacent teeth. Moreover, if left untreated, it poses the risk of spreading to other body parts. To mitigate further damage from the abscess, reach out to us for prompt treatment.
Fallen-out filling
As a provisional measure, consider applying orthodontic wax to the cavity created by the dislodged filling. Orthodontic wax is pliable and can be shaped to shield and safeguard the opening until you are able to visit a dentist. This wax is readily available in the majority of drug stores. Keep in mind that this is merely a temporary remedy, and it is imperative to consult a dentist at your earliest convenience for a permanent restoration of the filling.
Jaw Injury
If you’ve sustained trauma to your jaw, adhere to the following steps: Refrain from consuming solid food, apply an ice pack to your face, and then contact us to ascertain the appropriate next step. However, if there’s a possibility that your jaw might be fractured, it is crucial to seek immediate attention from an emergency dentist.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Always adhere to your doctors’ recommendations and review the instructions on the packaging before administering any pain medication. If deemed safe for you, you might consider taking a pain reliever such as Tylenol, Advil, or Aspirin to alleviate discomfort. However, this is not a definitive or flawless remedy. Dental pain is frequently associated with nerve issues, and substantial relief will predominantly stem from the treatment a healthcare professional provides. If you do consume any medication, make a note of the specifics—what you took, the dosage, and the time—and inform us upon your visit.
If a broken tooth remains untreated, it may harbour bacteria, posing a risk of infection or abscess. Additionally, there is a potential for nerve damage, which could necessitate a root canal.
While dental first aid tips are provided above, the optimal initial step is to reach out to us! We will offer guidance over the phone to help mitigate your pain, preserve your tooth, and ensure your swift arrival at our facility.
Indeed, if you require emergency dental care and visit the Emergency Room (ER), the ER will administer treatment and subsequently bill your health insurance. However, it’s important to note that the ER might not be equipped to address a dental issue unless it constitutes a health emergency. They may also employ temporary solutions to alleviate pain until you can consult a dentist.
If a tooth abscess fails to drain, the infection holds the potential to extend to your jaw and other regions of your head and neck. This could potentially lead to the development of sepsis, a life-threatening infection that disseminates throughout your body. Please seek emergency dental treatment if you feel like you may be experiencing an infection.
