What To Do in a Dental Emergency

A dental emergency is any problem that affects teeth, gums, jawbones, and other tissues and needs immediate treatment to prevent complications. Dental emergencies are often not life-threatening but may cause pain, infection, or damage that requires prompt treatment.  

Some emergencies, like broken facial bones, need treatment in the emergency room, while others may be treated in your dentist’s office. Examples include:

• Severe toothache, which is a sign of an infection

• Knocked-out tooth

• Badly cracked tooth

• Object stuck in your mouth or tooth

• Severe tissue injury, such as a deep cut

• Swollen face and jaw, which may be a sign of an abscess

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

First, don’t panic. Instead, call your dentist, check your symptoms, and get treatment.  

1. Call Your Dentist

Your first step in a dental emergency is to call your dentist as soon as possible. Look for an emergency after-hours number if it happens outside of normal business hours. Describe your symptoms and the incident that caused the emergency as your dentist may give you specific instructions.

2. Manage the Emergency

The next step is to manage your symptoms and the emergency until you can get professional help, including controlling pain and bleeding and saving the tooth.  

3. Control Pain

Severe toothaches are overwhelming and might indicate an infection that needs antibiotics. Control the pain as best you can with over-the-counter pain relievers. Pain medications like ibuprofen are anti-inflammatory and can help lower swelling, along with pain and fevers.  

In addition, try easing the pain with a cold compress on your cheek or jaw. Gently floss between your teeth or rinse your mouth with warm salt water to flush stuck food or debris from your gums or between your teeth.  

4. Stop the Bleeding

Your mouth or gums may bleed if you knock a tooth out or have a deep cut. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area, and apply a clean, damp piece of gauze with gentle pressure to help stop the bleeding. A caffeinated tea bag may also help. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, go to your dentist or the emergency room.

5. Save the Tooth

Some accidents may cause you to crack a tooth into pieces, dislodge a bridge or crown, or knock a tooth out. The goal is to save the broken tooth or preserve the tooth in your mouth.  

If you knock a tooth out, find it, gently rinse it, and stick it back into your socket. If you can’t, put it in a container with some milk and see your dentist immediately. For cracked teeth, rinse the pieces, save them, and bring them to your dentist.  

6. Get Treatment and Follow Up

Finally, go to your emergency appointment with your dentist and get treatment. Follow after-care instructions, and follow up as directed until your mouth heals. With careful attention, you can prevent any long-term complications.  

Expert Care with your Dentist in Clayton

Your health is individual, including your dental emergencies. That’s why Dr. Austin K. Brown tailors dental treatment using cutting-edge technology and evidence-based solutions. Contact us today and get the expert care you need quickly.

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