Handling Common Dental Emergencies
Tooth decay, gum disease, and chipped teeth are some of the most frequent dental emergencies. While good dental care is your best defense, knowing how to act in an emergency can prevent lasting damage. Do you know how to handle these situations? With quick action and proper first aid, you can protect your oral health and avoid long-term issues.
7 Common Dental Emergencies
Toothache Pain in your teeth is a warning sign of possible issues, such as tooth decay. While some toothaches can be managed without urgent care, symptoms like swelling need immediate attention. Avoid using aspirin or other painkillers directly on your gums, as they can cause burns. Instead, use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek and contact a dentist right away. Following treatment, maintaining good oral hygiene will be key to preventing future problems.
Chipped or Broken Teeth Biting down on something hard can chip or break a tooth, causing pain and ruining your smile. Start by rinsing your mouth with warm water and applying gauze to any bleeding area. Use a cold compress on your face near the injury to reduce swelling and ease the pain. While waiting for emergency care, your dentist will remind you to be cautious with hard foods and activities that can damage your teeth.
Knocked-Out Tooth If a tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown (the visible part) and rinse the root gently if it’s dirty, but don’t scrub or remove any tissue fragments. You may try to reinsert the tooth into the socket carefully, but don’t force it. The sooner you do this, ideally within an hour, the better the chances of saving the tooth. If you can’t reinsert it, place the tooth in a cup of milk or a saltwater solution to keep it preserved until you reach the dentist.
Lost Filling or Crown Fillings and crowns restore damaged teeth to their full function and appearance, so it’s important to address any issues with them quickly to prevent further damage or infection. If you lose a filling or crown, try using a piece of sugarless gum as a temporary fix until you can get to the dentist. Don’t attempt to fix it yourself; instead, bring the restoration to your dentist to have it properly reapplied or replaced.
Broken Orthodontics Braces are built to withstand daily wear, but sometimes the wires or brackets can break or shift, causing discomfort and potentially hindering your treatment. If a wire is poking your cheek or gums, try to push it back into place. If that doesn’t work, cover the end with orthodontic wax, a cotton ball, or gauze. Never cut the wire, as this could lead to accidental swallowing.
Abscess Mouth infections, particularly those near the tooth root or between teeth and gums, are serious and can spread if left untreated. Abscesses often appear as painful, swollen spots on the gums. If you suspect an abscess, seek emergency dental care immediately to prevent the infection from spreading. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution and apply ice to the swollen area for temporary relief.
Bleeding and Pain After Tooth Extraction Some bleeding and pain are normal after a tooth extraction, but if they continue for more than an hour, contact your dentist. While waiting for assistance, place a thick gauze pad over the extraction site and apply pressure by gently biting down. Avoid rinsing, eating, drinking, and activities like smoking, spitting, or sucking to prevent further complications.
Alexandra Khaimov, DDS is an emergency dentist in Boca Raton who treats all dental emergencies including root canals, broken teeth, chipped teeth, broken crowns and all dental emergencies. The practice also offers deep cleanings and teeth cleaning in Boca Raton