Imagine you’re enjoying a relaxing night in, snacking on popcorn during a movie, when you hear a crack and feel something sharp in your mouth. Or maybe your child falls while playing outside and comes to you with a chipped front tooth. A dental emergency isn’t something scheduled on your calendar; it just happens.
The good news? Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can make a significant difference.
What counts as a dental emergency?
Not every toothache requires a siren and flashing lights, but there are situations where prompt action matters. Here are a few dental problems that count as emergencies:
- A tooth that’s been knocked out
- A broken, cracked or chipped tooth (especially if it’s painful)
- A severe, throbbing toothache that isn’t getting better
- A lost crown or filling that leaves a tooth exposed
- Swollen or bleeding gums due to injury or infection
A general rule to follow is if a tooth hurts, is bleeding and looks or feels wrong, it’s worth looking into.
Immediate steps for urgent dental care
A dental emergency can be overwhelming, but there’s no need to panic. Here’s what you can do immediately:
- Knocked out tooth: Steps to take in a dental emergency
- Pick it up by the crown (top), not the root.
- Gently rinse it with water, but don’t scrub it.
- Try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, store it in milk or saliva.
- Get to the dentist as quickly as possible.
- Broken or cracked tooth: Quick actions before the dentist
- Rinse it with warm water.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce any swelling.
- Avoid chewing on that side.
- If possible, save any tooth fragments.
- Severe toothache: When it becomes an emergency
- Rinse the area with warm water and floss gently. Sometimes the pain is caused by food debris.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Avoid placing aspirin on the tooth or gum, as it can irritate the tissue.
- Call your dentist for next steps.
- Gum or soft tissue injury: When to seek emergency dental help
- Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze.
- Use a cold compress to control the swelling.
- If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10-15 minutes, it’s best to head to the ER.
When to visit the dentist or ER for a dental emergency
Sometimes it’s not always obvious when you should go straight to the ER or the dentist. Here’s how to decide:
Visit your dentist or an emergency dentist for knocked-out teeth, toothaches, chips, lost fillings and abscesses.
Go to the ER if you have a fractured jaw, major trauma to the face, uncontrolled bleeding or if you’re having difficulty breathing or swallowing.
How to be prepared for future dental emergencies
- Begin by saving your dentist’s number on your phone, so if an emergency happens, you can act quickly.
- Keep a mini dental first-aid kit handy: gauze, a small container with a lid, over-the-counter pain relief and dental wax.
- If you or your children play sports, use a properly fitted mouthguard to prevent injuries.
Frequently asked questions
What is considered a dental emergency?
A dental emergency may include a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, cracked or broken tooth, dental abscess, uncontrolled bleeding or a jaw injury. Prompt treatment can help prevent further complications.
What should I do if a tooth gets knocked out?
Handle the tooth by the crown, rinse it gently with water and try to place it back in the socket. If that isn’t possible, store it in milk or saliva and contact a dentist immediately.
When should I go to the emergency room instead of the dentist?
Go to the ER if you have a fractured jaw, major facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or difficulty breathing or swallowing. Many other dental emergencies can be treated by a dentist.
Can a severe toothache be a dental emergency?
Yes. Severe or worsening tooth pain may indicate an infection, decay or nerve damage that requires prompt professional care.
What should I keep in a dental emergency kit?
A basic dental first-aid kit should include gauze, a small container with a lid, over-the-counter pain relievers and dental wax.
How can I help prevent dental emergencies?
Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during sports, maintaining regular dental visits and addressing dental problems early can help reduce your risk of emergencies.
Conclusion
A dental emergency is never fun, but accidents do happen and handling them in a quick and informed manner makes all the difference. Whether it’s a late-night toothache or a surprise chip during football practice, we’re here with the experience, tools and heart to get you smiling again.
In the event of a dental emergency, our offices offer emergency care and accept walk-in patients. Just call or stop in and we will do everything we can to help you feel better fast.
If you have any questions or want to be ready just in case, contact us. We’re happy to help and can walk you through what to do, answer your concerns and make sure you feel confident about your dental health.
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