You probably never expect it to happen to you, but dental emergencies are more common than you might believe. Research shows 1 in 6 people experience a dental emergency each year. Unfortunately, most people don’t know what constitutes as an issue that needs immediate dental care. If you don’t know if you should call your dentist or how to handle the situation, here are 3 tips to make it through a dental emergency.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
As with any emergency, time is of the utmost importance. You don’t want to waste valuable time trying to figure out what to do. Here are 3 steps to take to save your smile.
1. Assess the situation.
Whether you’ve had an accident, or a toothache is keeping you awake at night, look for obvious concerns, like bleeding, a broken tooth, or swollen gum tissue. As you examine the extent of the problem, stay calm. Then, move on to provide the appropriate care at home.
2. Provide first aid.
Depending on the specific issue you’re having, here’s what you can do at home:
- Knocked out tooth: Hold it by the crown and rinse it with water. Don’t use any soaps or cleaners. Gently try to reinsert it back into the socket and bite on gauze to prevent it from moving. If you’re not successful, keep it moist by placing it in a cup of milk.
- Toothache: This often indicates an infection. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever to manage your discomfort.
- Broken/Fractured Tooth: Keep the tooth clean and don’t chew with it until after it has been repaired. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the face to manage any swelling.
- Dislodged Tooth: Gently try to push it back into position and bite on gauze to keep it in place.
- Lost Crown/Filling: Keep your tooth clean and chew on the opposite side of the mouth until the restoration has been replaced.
3. Call your dentist.
Call your emergency dentist right away for an appointment. They will get you in as soon as possible. At that time, your dentist can also address any concerns and discuss any additional care you can provide at home.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Although you can’t always prevent a dental emergency, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of one, such as:
- Maintain your oral hygiene.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
- Wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools.
- Don’t chew on inedible objects.
Don’t Wait to Call Your Dentist
No one has time for an unplanned trip to their dentist, but don’t wait until it’s too late to save your tooth. Get the care you need immediately to restore your smile.
About Dr. Krunal Patel
Dr. Patel has over a decade of experience in the dental field. After earning his initial dental degree, he underwent additional training to provide advanced services. As a member of various dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, your smile is in good hands with Dr. Patel. If you have a dental emergency, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
