How to Determine If You Have A Dental Emergency
If you chip a tooth or lose a dental crown, it can be concerning, but emergency dental services may not be necessary unless you’re experiencing pain. These issues can usually be addressed during regular office hours. However, if you’re unsure whether you’re having a dental emergency, there are some questions you can ask yourself:
- Are you bleeding from the mouth?
- Are you experiencing severe pain?
- Do you have any loose teeth?
- Have you sustained any injuries to the face or mouth?
- Do you have any swelling in the mouth or facial area?
- Do you notice any bulges, swelling, or knots on your gums?
- Do you experience pain when biting down or when exposed to hot or cold temperatures?
It’s important to describe your symptoms and the situation so that we can assess whether it’s a genuine dental emergency. After the emergency appointment, we can schedule you for a follow-up visit to address the underlying issue and prevent future problems.
Severe Tooth Pain
Experiencing severe tooth pain is a frequent dental emergency and can indicate an infection in or around the tooth. Additionally, pressure from wisdom teeth can sometimes cause such discomfort.
While Advil may provide temporary relief, it is crucial to schedule an appointment at our emergency dental clinic at the first sign of discomfort. We can clear out the infection and take steps to prevent the need for tooth extraction in the future.
Chipped, Cracked, Or Broken Teeth
If your tooth is chipped but not causing much pain, it usually doesn’t require emergency dental care, and you can wait a few days to see a dentist. However, it’s crucial to be cautious while eating to avoid further damage to the tooth.
We may be able to smooth out the chip or repair the tooth with composite filling material. But if the tooth is cracked or fractured, it is considered a serious dental emergency. These types of injuries usually indicate that both the inside and outside of the tooth are damaged, and severe fractures may lead to tooth loss. If you experience a fractured tooth, call us immediately to schedule an emergency dental appointment and follow these guidelines:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it gently.
- If the fracture is caused by facial trauma, use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Take acetaminophen according to the package directions to relieve pain.
- Don’t apply painkillers directly to the gum as it can cause burning, even Orajel marketed for this purpose.
An x-ray is necessary for our dentist to diagnose the condition of your tooth accurately. If the soft tissue inside the tooth is damaged, you may need a root canal. Otherwise, the tooth may only require a crown.
Problems With Temporary Restoration
Losing a temporary crown is not usually considered a dental emergency, but it is important to put it back in place to prevent any further damage to the tooth. To temporarily secure the crown, you can apply Vaseline, toothpaste, or a small amount of denture adhesive to the inside of the crown before placing it back onto the tooth. Check the fit before applying the adhesive, then bite down firmly on a dry cloth to ensure it is properly in place. Clean off any excess adhesive and make an appointment with us within the next few days to have the crown recemented professionally.
Tissue Injury And Facial Pain
- If you suffer from any injury inside your mouth, such as puncture wounds, cuts, or tears on the lips, cheeks, tongue, or other areas, it is considered a tissue injury and requires immediate dental attention. To start, it is important to clean the affected area with warm water.
- In the case of a bleeding tongue injury, gently pull the tongue forward and apply pressure to the wound with gauze. It is recommended to go to the nearest hospital emergency room as soon as possible because they are better equipped to treat a tongue wound than an emergency dental clinic.
- If you experience any facial pain associated with tissue injury, you may take acetaminophen as directed on the package label. However, it is important to avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen for a dental emergency since they are anticoagulants that can lead to excessive bleeding.
Knocked Out Teeth
When a tooth gets knocked out, it is important to seek immediate dental attention as this is considered a dental emergency. Acting quickly can increase the chances of saving the tooth. Follow these steps to preserve the tooth:
- Handle the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root.
- Gently rinse the tooth to remove dirt and debris. Avoid scrubbing or removing any attached tissue.
- Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket if possible. Hold it in place with gentle pressure by biting down.
- If reinsertion is not possible, store the tooth in a small container or a cup of milk to keep it moist.
- Contact your dentist immediately for urgent care. The sooner you seek professional help, the better the chances of saving the tooth. Delaying treatment decreases the likelihood of a successful re-implantation.
Loose Tooth, Tooth Out of Alignment
If you notice that one of your adult teeth is loose or has shifted from its normal position, it is essential to contact us immediately for an emergency appointment. Even if you don’t feel much pain or discomfort, this situation is considered a dental emergency as delaying treatment may result in losing the tooth.
While waiting to see the dentist, you can gently try to reposition the tooth with your finger, applying minimal pressure. Do not attempt to force the tooth back in place. Bite down on the tooth to stabilize it and prevent further movement.
Other Dental Emergencies
Essentially, any dental issue that needs urgent attention to save a tooth, stop tissue bleeding, or relieve severe pain should be treated as a dental emergency. A severe mouth infection or abscess can pose a risk to life and should be addressed without delay.
