An estimated 20% of the population has had unexpected dental pain in the last 6 months, so there’s a good chance that you or a loved one could have a dental emergency at some point. And, unfortunately, they always seem to happen at the worst time! On top of that, it’s difficult to know whether you need immediate care or not. In this blog, you’ll get an idea of what constitutes a true emergency and get tips for handling the most common situations until you can see an emergency dentist. Learn more below!
Examples of True Dental Emergencies
If any of the following applies, call an emergency dentist right away:
- Facial swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gums (these can be signs of an abscess or infection)
- Severe pain that prevents you from eating, sleeping or working
- A loose or knocked-out tooth
- A painful crack or chip
- A persistent toothache
- A broken tooth
Also, keep in mind that some emergencies require medical care first such as a broken jaw, severe cuts, or heavy bleeding. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to call an emergency dentist for advice.
Tips For Common Dental Emergencies
- Knocked-Out Tooth – Recover the tooth, gently rinse it off, and try to put it back into its socket (only for adults). If that’s not possible, keep the tooth moist by storing it in a cup of milk or your cheek pouch. Only use tap water as a last resort because it can damage the tooth. Try to make it to the dentist within an hour.
- Broken tooth or filling – Rinse out your mouth with warm water and use dental wax from the store to cover any sharp edges. For pain, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek and take OTC pain medication. Chew on the opposite side until you can be seen.
- Toothache, Abscess or Swelling – Take OTC pain medication as directed and apply a cold compress to reduce discomfort until your appointment. Remember, even if the pain goes away, you still need dental care! You may have a dental infection that can become dangerous or even life-threatening if it’s left untreated.
Dental emergencies are stressful and can happen at the most inconvenient times. By calling an emergency dentist right away and using these tips, you’ll be out of pain fast and maintain your oral health at the same time.
About the Author
Dr. Krunal Patel graduated from New York University and has more than 10 years of experience as a general and emergency dentist. His office always makes every effort to see emergency patients the same day and has the advanced training and technology to get them out of pain quickly. If you’re having a dental emergency or have any questions, he can be reached via his website.
