Blog
07/11/2024
What is considered a dental emergency?
A dental emergency involves the teeth, gums, or mouth requiring immediate attention to alleviate severe pain, stop bleeding, prevent further damage, or save a tooth. Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them and can be stressful and painful. Common examples include:- Severe toothache: Intense or persistent tooth pain that disrupts daily activities.
- Knocked-out tooth: When a tooth is completely displaced from its socket due to trauma or injury.
- Broken or fractured tooth: A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth that causes pain or exposes the nerve.
- Loose tooth: A tooth partially pushed out of its socket.
- Lost dental filling or crown: The underlying tooth structure is exposed when a filling or crown comes out.
- Abscess or infection: Swelling, pus, or severe pain around the gums or tooth indicating an infection.
- Soft tissue injury: Lacerations, cuts, or injuries to the lips, tongue, cheeks, or gums that cause significant bleeding or pain.
- Jaw injury: Trauma to the jaw resulting in pain, swelling, or difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
- Orthodontic emergencies: Issues such as a broken wire or a displaced orthodontic appliance causing discomfort or injury to the mouth.
- Foreign object in teeth: Foreign objects caught between teeth causing pain or discomfort.
Tips to Help Save Your Tooth in Case of a Dental Emergency:
- Toothaches: Rinse your mouth with warm water, use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth, and call your dentist if pain persists.
- Chipped or broken tooth: Save any pieces. Rinse the mouth and any broken pieces with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling.
- Knocked-out tooth: Retrieve the tooth by the crown (top). Rinse with water if dirty, but do not scrub and try to place it back in the socket. If that's not possible, keep it in milk until you get to a dentist.
- Lost filling or crown: As a temporary measure, stick a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity (sugar-filled gum will cause pain) or use over-the-counter dental cement. See your dentist as soon as possible.
- Abscess: This infection can spread and affect your health. Rinse with a mild saltwater solution several times daily, but see your dentist immediately.
