What To Do In The Event Of A Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate dental care. Dental emergencies can either be related to your teeth, such as a tooth being knocked out, or related to your mouth or gums, such as severe mouth pain, a laceration in your mouth, or sudden swelling.

When one of these situations occurs, it's important to stay calm. Try to assess the severity of the situation, determine whether you're in any danger, and seek help if necessary.

If you're experiencing a dental emergency, it's crucial that you call your dentist. He or she can offer advice on what to do and may be able to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. 

Signs of a dental emergency

Here are some signs of a dental emergency:

• Pain in your teeth
• Teeth are sensitive to extreme temperatures
• Teeth are loose
• Broken teeth
• Abscesses
• Bleeding gums

Common dental emergencies and what to do if they occur

A dental emergency can be loosely defined as any dental problem that requires immediate care. Some common dental emergencies include:

• Chipped teeth 

You will need to be seen as soon as possible. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce any swelling.

• Broken or knocked-out tooth

If a tooth gets damaged, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If the knocked-out tooth is dirty, gently clean the tooth with water, toothpaste, and a soft-bristled toothbrush. If possible, replace the tooth in the socket, making sure to hold it by the crown, and gently bite down on a clean gauze or cloth to keep it in place. If you can't put it back, place it in a glass of milk and bring it to us at the earliest. 

• Severe toothache

If you are experiencing a severe toothache, you should call your dentist or endodontist immediately. If you have lost tooth structure or if restoration or filling is loose, please save any pieces and bring them with you to your appointment. Meantime, you can also take pain medication to relieve pain. 

• Fallen-out filling

Stop any bleeding by applying pressure on the tooth with gauze, a tea bag, or a wet tea bag. Cover the area with a piece of sugar-free gum or wax paraffin and visit us immediately. If your tooth hurts, take over-the-counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

• Bleeding

Bleeding can be stopped by applying pressure to the wound using a piece of gauze. Gently bite on the gauze for ten minutes or until the bleeding stops. Ice packs can also help decrease swelling or any pain. See your dentist as soon as possible.

• Bitten tongue

Gently clean the area with soap and water. Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce pain and inflammation, and see your dentist.

Can dental emergencies be prevented?

Yes, many dental emergencies can be prevented by practicing proper oral hygiene. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and checkups from your dentist.

In the event of a dental emergency, call us at (833) 394-7366 and book an appointment with our dentist at 287 E. Hunt Hwy. #101, San Tan Valley, AZ 85143.