Emergencies can happen when we least expect it. When dental emergencies strike, knowing what to do can make all the difference. In fact, it can help preserve your oral health. Our team at Dazzling Dentistry is here to help you with your emergency dental situations. We also want to give you essential information that can help you recognize dental emergencies and what steps to take.
Understanding Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies include a range of situations. You may experience sudden severe toothaches to unexpected injuries. It is helpful for you know what is an emergency so that you can seek treatment. Common emergencies include:
- Lost Filling or Crown: If you lose a filling or crown, you need quick treatment. This will help protect the exposed part of your tooth. It can also help pain and discomfort.
- Cracked or Broken Tooth: You may break a tooth due to an injury or biting into something hard. Regardless, you need to seek immediate attention. This will prevent further damage to your tooth and enamel.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to the gums, tongue, or cheeks can occur for a number of reasons. Naturally, this can be painful or cause bleeding. You need to get professional treatment to avoid infection.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Probably one of the more alarming emergencies is a knocked-out tooth. To increase the chances of re-implantation, you need to get to the dentist immediately.
- Severe Toothache: Pain is usually a sign of a bigger problem. A sudden, intense toothache could be a sign of a much larger issue, such as a cavity, abscess, or nerve damage.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
If you know what to do in a dental emergency, you can protect your oral health.
- Stay Calm: Although it may be hard, you need to stay calm. Remaining calm is the first step in handling any emergency. Take a deep breath, and assess the situation.
- Contact Your Dentist: Your next step is to seek professional advice and help. Reach out to your dental office immediately. Our team is ready to guide you on your next steps. If necessary, we will schedule an emergency appointment.
- Severe Toothache: If you have pain, you can take a few steps to minimize it. Rinse your mouth with warm water and floss gently to remove debris. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage your pain until you see the dentist.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Once you find your tooth, hold it by the crown to avoid damage. Then, rinse it gently and avoid scrubbing. Try to reinsert it into the socket. Otherwise, you can place it in a container with milk or your saliva while you seek dental attention.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Clean the injured area with warm water and apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to control bleeding. If bleeding persists, seek emergency care.