Ever lost a tooth during a sporting event? Or woke up at 3 AM with agonizing tooth pain?
Dental emergencies strike when you least expect it. And when they do, it’s a matter of doing the right thing vs. making a fatal mistake.
The stats are kind of alarming…
Nearly 2 million Americans end up in an emergency room for a dental problem each year. That’s 1 person every 15 seconds making a mad dash to the hospital for a dental emergency.
The Problem:
Most people have NO idea what to do. They panic. Make a wrong move. And dig themselves into a deeper hole.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- The Most Common Dental Emergencies
- What To Do For Each Emergency
- When To Seek Professional Help
- How To Prevent Dental Emergencies
Understanding Emergency Dental Services
Not all dental issues require an ER visit.
In fact, most don’t. But some do. And it’s important to know the difference. Knowing which problems need immediate attention can save you time, money, and a lot of pain. If you’re dealing with uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain, or a dislodged tooth, it’s time for emergency dental services.
The key is understanding what constitutes a “true” dental emergency…
Knocked Out Tooth: Immediate Action Needed
Do you know the most time-sensitive dental emergency?
A dislodged or knocked-out tooth. You have a 30-60 minute window to take action. After that, your chances of saving the tooth plummet.
Here’s exactly what to do:
First, locate the tooth. Pick it up by the crown (the white part of the tooth visible when you smile), avoiding the root. Rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty. Don’t scrub it, or remove any tissue fragments attached to the root.
Next, try re-inserting it into its socket and hold it in place gently with a clean finger. Bite down on a clean cloth or gauze to keep it stable. Can’t put it back in?
Keep the tooth moist by placing it in a cup of milk or between your cheek and gums. DO NOT place it in regular water. The tissue cells on the root will be damaged.
The most important step: Get to your dentist as soon as possible. Time is of the essence here.
Severe Toothache: Pain Relieving Measures
Tooth pain is the reason for 82% of emergency dental visits. And for good reason – severe tooth pain isn’t normal. Something’s causing it, and it’s time to find out what.
The likely culprits are tooth decay, infection, or an abscess. But it could also be a broken tooth or exposed nerves. Whatever the cause, don’t ignore a severe toothache.
Here’s what to do:
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen. Apply a cold compress to the cheek area to reduce swelling and discomfort.
But here’s the thing…
The above are all short-term, temporary solutions. The ONLY way to stop the pain is to address the cause. Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Say you bite down on something hard, get hit in the mouth, or break a tooth on a piece of ice. The result: A broken or chipped tooth.
The good news? It’s a repairable problem in most cases.
Save any broken pieces and rinse your mouth with warm water. If there’s bleeding, apply gauze to the site for 10 minutes. Apply a cold compress to your face to reduce swelling and pain.
Cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your mouth. And get an appointment with your dentist within 24 hours.
Matter of severity. A small chip may not need urgent attention. But a large break or crack exposing the inner tooth? Definitely seek immediate attention.
Dental Abscess: Drain That Infection
This is an emergency you definitely don’t want to ignore.
An abscess is a pocket of pus in your gums caused by bacterial infection. It appears as a painful, swollen bump on your gums. If untreated, it can spread to your jaw, neck, and other parts of your body.
Symptoms include:
- Severe throbbing pain
- Swelling in face or cheek
- Fever
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
- Bad taste in mouth
The most important thing: Get prompt treatment from a dentist. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to ease discomfort in the meantime. You’ll need antibiotics and a procedure to drain the abscess. Don’t try to pop or drain it yourself.
This is a true dental emergency requiring immediate attention.
Lost Filling or Crown
Lost a filling or crown? It’s not the end of the world, but don’t delay in taking action.
The problem: Without that protection, your tooth is at risk for damage and sensitivity. The cavity is also exposed to germs which can cause further decay.
What to do? Temporarily fill the space with dental cement (available at pharmacies) or sugar-free gum.
If it’s a lost crown, try to save it if possible. Rinse it out and attempt to temporarily reattach it with dental cement or even toothpaste. Just don’t use super glue to reattach it. That’s a recipe for disaster.
Schedule a visit to your dentist within a few days to get it fixed permanently.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Your lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue are all examples of soft tissues. These can also get injured.
Bleeding from these areas can be quite alarming. But most soft tissue injuries are not as serious as they may seem. Rinse out your mouth with a mild salt water solution and apply pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or gauze.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling and slow bleeding.
If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes, or the injury is severe, head to the emergency room. You may need stitches.
When To Seek Immediate Help
Still not sure if your situation is an emergency or not?
Here’s the signs you need professional help ASAP:
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medication
- Swelling in jaw or face
- Knocked-out permanent tooth
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Signs of infection (fever, swelling, pus)
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Better safe than sorry.
Prevention Is Your Best Defense
The best way to handle dental emergencies? Prevent them in the first place. Regular dental checkups help catch problems before they become emergencies. Wear a mouthguard when playing sports. Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles.
Good oral hygiene like brushing 2x per day and flossing regularly can prevent small problems like cavities or sensitivity before they turn into bigger issues.
Keep a copy of your dentist’s emergency contact information. You never know when you might need it.
Final Thoughts
Dental emergencies can be stressful, painful, and downright scary.
But knowing how to respond can make a world of difference. Do the right thing vs. making a fatal mistake that costs you your tooth.
The main takeaways?
Act fast with a knocked-out tooth. Don’t ignore severe tooth pain or signs of infection. Keep a knocked-out tooth moist and protected until you can see a dentist. And always seek professional help with serious injuries.
The number one thing to remember? Don’t panic. Stay calm, follow these steps, and get professional help ASAP.
Your teeth are worth it.