Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly. They can also be painful and distressing. Knowing how to handle these situations until you can see a dentist will help you manage your discomfort and prevent further complications. While some dental emergencies can be treated at home as a short term solution, others require immediate attention.
In this article, we'll explore common situations requiring emergency dentistry and provide you with expert tips on how to manage them until you reach a dentist.
1. Toothache
A toothache is one of the most common dental emergencies. It can be caused by tooth decay, an infection, gum disease, or even a cracked tooth. A toothache may vary in intensity from mild discomfort to sharp, throbbing pain.
Rinse with Warm Salt Water
Start by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. This can help cleanse the area, reduce inflammation, and temporarily alleviate pain.
Emergency Toothache Relief
Take over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage the pain in a dental injury. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage.
Even if the pain subsides, it's essential to visit a dentist as soon as possible for urgent dental care, as toothaches can indicate underlying issues such as infection or decay.
2. Chipped or Broken Tooth
A chipped or broken tooth can occur due to trauma, biting on something hard, or even cavities that weaken the tooth. This type of injury can range from minor chips to more significant breaks that expose the tooth's inner layers, causing pain and sensitivity.
Save the Broken Pieces
Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and remove any debris. If possible, try to save any pieces of the tooth that have broken off and bring them with you to the dentist.
If there is bleeding, place gauze to the affected area and apply gentle pressure until the bleeding stops.
A chipped or broken tooth should be treated as soon as possible by a restorative dentist to prevent further damage or infection.
3. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
A knocked-out tooth is a serious dental emergency, especially if it's a permanent tooth. Acting quickly can significantly increase the chances of saving the tooth. Timing is critical, as the tooth can be reimplanted successfully if the tooth is protected properly and reinserted within 30 minutes to an hour.
Handle the Tooth Carefully
Avoid touching the root of the tooth. Hold it by the crown (the part you see in the mouth). If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue.
Keep the Tooth Moist
Try to reinsert the tooth in its socket, but if you can't reinsert the tooth, keep it moist by placing it in a container of milk, saline solution, or your own saliva. Do not store the tooth in water.
Seek Immediate Dental Care
Time is of the essence with a knocked-out tooth. Get to your dentist or an emergency room immediately.
4. Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth occurs when there is a bacterial infection in the root of the tooth or between the tooth and gums. This is a severe condition that can lead to extreme pain, swelling, and fever.
Left untreated, an abscess can spread to other parts of the body, making it a potentially life-threatening condition.
Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce the pain and draw some of the pus to the surface.
Take over-the-counter pain medications to manage the discomfort until you can see a dentist. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
Seek Immediate Treatment
An abscessed tooth requires prompt attention. See a dentist immediately, as the infection may need to be drained, and antibiotics may be necessary to treat the infection.
Delaying treatment for an abscessed tooth can result in serious complications, so it's important to address the issue as soon as possible.
5. Lost Filling or Crown
A filling or crown may become loose or fall out due to normal wear and tear, decay, or trauma. Losing a filling or crown can be painful, especially if the exposed tooth is sensitive to temperature changes or pressure.
Save the Filling or Crown
If possible, try to save the filling or crown and bring it with you to your dentist. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
Temporary Dental Cement
You can use temporary dental cement (available at pharmacies) for temporary tooth repair. It can temporarily cover the exposed area or reattach the crown until you can see your dentist.
Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side
Try to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the filling or crown was lost to prevent further damage.
While a lost filling or crown may not be an emergency in the same way as a knocked-out tooth, it's important to see a dentist to restore the tooth and prevent further damage or infection.
6. Object Stuck Between Teeth
Food particles or other small objects can sometimes become lodged between teeth, causing discomfort and irritation. While not always a severe emergency, an object stuck between your teeth can lead to pain, swelling, and potential damage to the gums if not removed.
Use Dental Floss
Try gently removing the object with dental floss. Move the floss back and forth carefully to avoid hurting your gums.
Avoid Sharp Objects
Never use sharp objects like pins, knives, or toothpicks to remove an object stuck between your teeth. These can damage your teeth and gums.
Seek Dental Help if Necessary
If you cannot remove the object with floss, see your dentist. They have the proper tools to remove it without damaging your teeth or gums.
Emergency Dentistry - We Are Here to Assist
Your teeth are an essential part of your life, whether you are enjoying a delicious meal or smiling over a warm beverage. Without a proper set of teeth, your life would be much more difficult.
When you need emergency dentistry services, Newmarket Dental Care is here to assist. We have been serving the York Region for over 20 years and we pride ourselves on gentle oral care.
Set up an appointment for yourself or your loved ones and receive a stress-free experience from our office today.