In a dental emergency, it’s easy for anyone to panic. And, in many cases, it’s hard to know how to handle the situation or even if you’re having a true emergency or not. In this blog, you’ll find out when you need immediate care from an emergency dentist and when it can wait until normal business hours. You’ll also get some great tips for managing common emergencies until you can be seen. Learn more below!
Are You Truly Having a Dental Emergency?
Here are several examples of situations that need to be looked at by an emergency dentist right away:
- You’ve knocked out a tooth.
- You have a loose tooth.
- You’re in pain and can’t comfortably eat or sleep through the night.
- You have swelling in your lip or cheek or a pimple-like bump on the gums, either of which can indicate a serious abscess or infection.
- You’re in pain because you broke a tooth or existing dental work (if you aren’t in pain, it can usually wait until normal business hours)
When Should You Go To the Hospital?
Some emergencies need to be stabilized in a hospital or urgent care center first before you get dental care, such as a broken or dislocated jaw, heavy bleeding, or severe cuts. If you aren’t sure, you can always call a dentist and they’ll be happy to advise you over the phone.
How To Manage the Most Common Dental Emergencies
After you’ve called an emergency dentist to schedule the first available appointment, use the following tips for common emergencies:
- A broken tooth or dental work – Be sure to chew on the opposite side until your visit to avoid breaking your tooth further. Use dental wax from the store to cover any rough spots and take OTC pain medication as needed.
- Knocked-Out Tooth – It’s important to try to make it to a dentist within an hour. In the meantime, handle the tooth by the crown, not the root, and gently rinse it off. Adults can try putting it back into its socket. If that’s not an option, make sure it stays moist by storing it in a cup of milk or your cheek pouch. Tap water should only be used as a last resort because it can damage the tooth.
- Toothache, Abscess or Swelling – Take OTC pain medication and apply a cold compress in 20-minute intervals. Keep in mind that you may have an infection, so even if the pain subsides, you still need to be seen as soon as possible.
Dental emergencies are not only painful but stressful as well. With these tips and care from an emergency dentist, you’ll feel better fast and move forward with your smile intact.
About the Author
Dr. Marc Thomas has been a general and emergency dentist for more than 25 years. He knows how alarming sudden dental pain and injuries can be and makes every effort to see emergency patients the same day they call for care. If you’re having a dental emergency or have any questions, he can be reached via his website.