How to Recognize and Respond to Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can occur anytime, catching us off guard and causing severe pain or discomfort. These emergencies can range from a broken tooth, knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, or a loose crown or filling.

One must know how to handle dental emergencies and seek immediate dental care to prevent further damage or infection. Understanding what to do during a dental emergency can save a tooth and avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort.

This article will discuss what is considered a dental emergency and what to do if it occurs.

A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention from a dental professional. Here are some examples of dental emergencies and what to do if they happen.

Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the affected tooth to remove debris. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, as it can cause burning. Use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain until you can see a dentist.

Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling. Save any pieces of the tooth if possible and bring them to the dentist.

Hold the tooth by the crown (the top part) and rinse it with water, but do not scrub it. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place with a clean cloth or gauze. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, keep it moist by placing it in a container of milk or saliva. Bring it to the dentist immediately.

Gently push the tooth back into place and bite down on a clean cloth or gauze to hold it in place until you can see a dentist.

Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply pressure to the affected area with a clean cloth or gauze until the bleeding stops.

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain until you can see a dentist.

Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling, and use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain until you can see a dentist.

If a filling or crown has fallen out, save it, if possible, and bring it to the dentist. Use a temporary dental cement or wax to cover the affected area until you can see a dentist.

Use a small piece of orthodontic wax to cover the affected area and schedule an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as possible.

Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling, and use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain until you can see a dentist.

If you experience a dental emergency, seek immediate treatment from a dental professional and follow the steps outlined above to manage the situation until you can see a dentist. Delaying treatment can lead to more complicated and costly dental procedures in the future. 

For the leading provider of emergency dental care in Richland , visit Smart Dental. Remember, early intervention can prevent permanent teeth, gums, and jaw damage, so book an appointment now!