Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. A tooth can become injured during a sports activity, a filling can break, or severe dental pain can suddenly develop. Knowing what to do when a dental emergency occurs can help protect your teeth and get you the care you need as quickly as possible.
While not every dental problem requires immediate treatment, certain situations should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency generally involves an injury, infection, or sudden dental problem that requires prompt attention to relieve pain, prevent further damage, or protect your oral health.
Examples of dental emergencies can include:
- A knocked-out permanent tooth
- A severely broken or cracked tooth
- A tooth that has been partially knocked out of position
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Significant swelling in the gums, face, or jaw
- A dental abscess or signs of infection
- Uncontrolled bleeding following a dental injury
- A lost or damaged dental restoration that is causing significant pain or exposing the tooth
If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, it is always appropriate to call your dentist. The dental team can help you determine how quickly you should be seen.
What Should You Do If a Tooth Is Knocked Out?
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires prompt attention. If possible, find the tooth and handle it carefully by the crown, which is the portion normally visible in the mouth. Avoid touching the root.
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water without scrubbing it. If you can, try to place the tooth back into its socket and hold it gently in place. If that isn't possible, keep the tooth moist and bring it with you to the dentist. Milk can be used as a temporary storage medium.
Time is especially important when a permanent tooth has been completely knocked out, so contact your dentist immediately and seek emergency dental care. Do not attempt to reinsert a baby tooth that has been knocked out.
What Should You Do for a Chipped or Broken Tooth?
If a tooth chips or breaks, try to find and save any pieces of the tooth. Rinse your mouth gently with water and contact your dentist as soon as possible.
If there is swelling, a cold compress placed against the outside of the cheek may help reduce it. Avoid chewing on the affected side until you can be evaluated.
Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist may be able to repair the tooth with bonding or another restoration. A more significant fracture may require a crown or other treatment.
What If You Have Severe Tooth Pain?
Tooth pain can have many causes, including decay, infection, a cracked tooth, or an issue involving the tooth's nerve. Severe or persistent pain should not be ignored.
Contact your dentist and explain your symptoms. While you're waiting to be seen, follow the instructions provided by your dental team and avoid placing aspirin directly against the tooth or gums, as this can irritate the tissue.
If your pain is accompanied by significant swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or other serious symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
How Can You Preserve a Damaged Tooth?
When a dental emergency involves an injured tooth, preserving the natural tooth whenever possible is often a priority. What you do immediately after an injury can make a difference.
Save any pieces of a broken tooth, keep a knocked-out permanent tooth moist, avoid chewing on an injured tooth, and contact your dentist promptly. The sooner your dentist can evaluate the damage, the sooner they can determine what treatment is needed.
Even if the tooth doesn't hurt, an injury can sometimes cause damage that isn't immediately obvious. A dental examination can help identify problems before they become more serious.
Call Your Dentist for an Emergency Appointment
When a dental emergency happens, don't wait and hope the problem goes away on its own. Call Kanellis Family Dentistry and explain what happened. Our team can help determine the appropriate next step and, when possible, arrange an emergency appointment.
When you call, be prepared to explain what happened, when the injury or symptoms started, where you are experiencing pain, and whether you have any swelling, bleeding, or other symptoms.
Don't Forget to Follow Up After Emergency Care
Receiving immediate treatment is only part of managing a dental emergency. Depending on the situation, your dentist may recommend additional treatment or a follow-up appointment to restore the tooth and protect your oral health.
For example, a tooth that has been injured may require ongoing monitoring, a permanent restoration, or additional treatment later. Following your dentist's recommendations can help support healing and reduce the risk of future complications.
At Kanellis Family Dentistry, we're here to help when unexpected dental problems arise. If you're experiencing a dental emergency, contact our office as soon as possible so we can help you determine your next steps and get your smile back on track.
