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Learn How To Handle The Most Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are never fun, but the good news is that with a bit of preparation, you can be ready for anything! We encounter numerous cases daily in our practice and wanted to share some of the most common causes so you can better manage any dental emergency. With this knowledge at your disposal, we hope it will make handling these stressful situations much easier to deal with.

1. Broken Tooth

If you experience a chipped or broken tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and then use cold compresses to reduce pain and swelling. Over-the-counter medication may also be necessary for additional relief of discomfort. Depending on the severity, our experienced dental team will inspect the area to determine if we can repair it or if an extraction/root canal is required.

2. Toothache

Toothaches can be pesky things, but don't worry! We've got some easy remedies that might just help ease the pain. Start by rinsing your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food particles stuck between teeth; over-the-counter medications may also alleviate discomfort temporarily. However, if it doesn't subside after trying these at-home treatments, make an appointment with us— a cavity or infection could be the cause of this toothache.

3. Knocked-out Tooth

Suffering a knocked-out tooth is no laughing matter, but don't worry – you don’t have to lose it yet! Take charge of the situation by finding and holding your lost tooth in its crown (the white part), then take care not to touch any roots when rinsing it off. If you cannot put it back into place, store the tooth in either milk or water before visiting one of our locations as soon as possible for the best chances of saving that smile.

4. Lose Filling

Unfortunately, losing a filling or crown is fairly common. If you find the lost piece be sure to bring it with your next dental appointment; the team may just magically reattach it! To hold things over in the meantime, consider using sugar-free gum or OTC dental cement as temporary seals for your tooth - until proper care can take place.

5. Soft Tissue Injury

If you experience an unexpected soft tissue injury such as biting your tongue, lip, or cheek, do not panic! Simply rinse the area with warm water and apply a cold compress to help reduce any swelling. However, if bleeding continues after taking these steps then it is advised that you seek medical advice immediately for proper treatment of the wound.

Final Remarks

Dental emergencies can be frightening, but if you take the right steps quickly it’s possible to keep damage at a minimum. Worry not - by taking preventative measures such as regular checkups with your dentist, you are well-equipped should an emergency arise. Keeping calm and acting fast is key – preparing yourself ahead of time!