What to Do in a Dental Emergency?

Understanding dental emergencies

A dental emergency is any dental issue that needs immediate attention and care. Since emergency cases can occur unexpectedly at any time, knowing how to handle them swiftly and appropriately is crucial. This knowledge helps minimize damage and discomfort for everyone involved.

In this article, we will provide step-by-step instructions to handle common dental emergencies and offer practical advice to alleviate pain and prevent further damage in severe cases.

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Not all the unexpected dental issues need emergency care. Some dental emergencies are more severe than others. In contrast, some dental emergencies can wait until the next appointment with your dentist.

Here are some signs that you need to visit the dentist for a dental emergency:

Severe Dental Emergency cases

Uncontrolled bleeding
Severe Infections blocking airway
Face bone injuries

Emergency Cases

Severe Toothache
Pain from Wisdom Teeth
Dry Socket
Knocked-Out Tooth
Swelling Around the Mouth
Dental Abscess
Broken Teeth Causing Pain

Less Emergency Cases

Mild Toothache
Small Chip in Tooth
Loose Filling or Crown

Non-Emergency cases

Initial oral examinations
Periodic check-ups
Routine dental cleaning
Orthodontic procedures for non-urgent issues
Extraction of teeth without pain or symptoms
Restorative dentistry for asymptomatic cavities
Aesthetic dental procedures

If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing a dental emergency, refer to our extensive blog on Dental Emergency.

Why Address Dental Emergencies ASAP

Immediate Treatment Prevents Complications: Addressing dental emergencies promptly prevents complications such as infections from spreading. For instance, treating an abscess early can halt its progression, reducing the risk of severe swelling and systemic health issues.
Avoid More Extensive Treatments Later: Ignoring dental emergencies may necessitate more invasive and costly treatments down the line. Quick action can mitigate the need for complex procedures by addressing issues early, preserving your oral health and finances.
Maintains Overall Well-being: Dealing with dental emergencies promptly reduces pain and discomfort, allowing you to resume daily activities without disruption. It ensures better long-term oral health and prevents issues from impacting your overall well-being.

Steps to Take During a Dental Emergency

Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can make a big difference.

Stay Calm: Panic can make the situation worse. Take a deep breath, and try to remain as calm as possible.
Assess the Situation: Evaluate the severity of the dental emergency. Determine if it’s a true emergency that requires immediate attention or a non-emergency that can wait until the next available appointment.
Manage Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze if there’s any bleeding.
Clean the Area: Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
Manage Pain: Use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed to reduce pain.
- Apply a cold compress externally to reduce swelling.
- Also apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek near the painful tooth to reduce swelling and pain.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything too hot, cold, or sugary, as this can worsen the pain.
Handle a Knocked-out Tooth (If Any): If a tooth is knocked out, keep it moist by placing it in milk or saline solution. For specific guidance on each emergency scenario, please refer to the detailed tables provided at the end of this blog.
Contact Your Dentist: If it’s a true dental emergency, immediately contact your dentist. Explain the situation and ask if they can see you soon or go to the emergency room, depending on the severity.

What to do in a dental emergency- a step by step procedure

Where to Go for a Dental Emergency

Knowing where to go for a dental emergency is crucial.

Seek Immediate Care for Severe Conditions

If you’re experiencing severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or facial injuries due to a dental emergency, head straight to the nearest emergency room. Emergency room staff can provide initial treatment and stabilize your condition until you can see a dentist for specialized care.

Contact Your Dentist for Urgent Issues

For specific dental emergencies such as a knocked-out tooth or severe toothache, reach out to your dentist directly. Most dental offices offer emergency contact numbers or after-hours services. Your dentist can advise you on immediate steps and schedule an urgent appointment to address your issue promptly. Contact Dr.Noorbakhsh Dental Clinic.

Visit an Urgent Care Center or Dental Clinic

If you cannot reach your dentist or it’s outside regular office hours, consider visiting an urgent care center or a specialized dental emergency clinic. These facilities are equipped to handle various dental emergencies and can provide essential treatments to relieve pain and prevent complications. Local Dental Universities also often offer emergency dental services at a reduced cost, making them another viable option for immediate care. Moreover, in larger cities, emergency dental clinics that operate 24/7 are available, ensuring that you can seek prompt treatment whenever a dental emergency arises.

Tips for Preventing Dental Emergencies

Prevention is key when it comes to dental emergencies. Here are some tips for preventing dental emergencies:

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

– Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.

– Floss regularly to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay.

– Attend regular dental check-ups for early detection and treatment of dental issues.

Avoid Common Dental Damage

– Avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice or popcorn kernels to prevent tooth fractures.

– Wear a mouthguard during sports activities to protect your teeth from injury.

– Consider using a night guard if you grind your teeth at night to prevent damage.

Maintain Healthy Dental Habits

– Refrain from using your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles to prevent chips or cracks.

– Maintain a diet low in sugary snacks and acidic beverages to safeguard against tooth decay and erosion.

Be Dental Emergency Ready

– Keep an emergency dental kit at home stocked with items like sterile gauze, over-the-counter pain relievers, and dental cement.

– Include contact information for your dentist or emergency dental clinic in your kit for quick access during emergencies.

Dealing with Common Dental Emergencies

Highly Serious Dental Emergencies

General Action: Seek immediate medical attention.

Uncontrolled Bleeding: Apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to the bleeding area.

Severe Infection (Cellulitis): Seek urgent care right after recognizing signs such as swelling, redness, and severe pain to prevent the infection from blocking your airway.

Face Injury (Facial Bone Trauma): Stabilize the injury, keep the airway open, and go to the emergency room. Avoid moving the injured area unnecessarily.

what to do in highly serious dental emergencies

Urgent Dental Cares

General Action: Seek urgent dental care./Contact your dentist immediately.

Painful Emergency Cases

Severe Pain from Tooth Inflammation

Rinse your mouth with warm water, take pain killers, and see a dentist for potential procedures like a root canal. Use dental floss to remove any food particles that may be causing the pain. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums, as it can cause burns.

Pain from Third Molar or Wisdom Teeth

Clean the area, use pain relievers, and consult with your dentist about possible minor surgery or antibiotics.

Post-Surgery Pain or Dry Sockets

Follow aftercare instructions, get the socket cleaned and medicated by a dentist, and attend follow-up visits for proper healing.

Accidental Emergency Cases

Dental Traumas (Avulsion or Luxation)

For avulsed teeth, locate the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the top part of the tooth). Avoid touching the roots of the tooth. Rinse the tooth gently with water, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue. If possible, try to place the tooth back into the socket and hold it in place with a clean cloth or tissue. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, place it in a milk container or your saliva and bring it to the dentist.
For luxated teeth, reposition and stabilize them and visit the dentist immediately.

Accidental Loss of Teeth in Children

Keep the fallen tooth moist in milk or saline solution, and consult a dentist as soon as possible.

Broken Teeth Causing Pain or Soft Tissue Injury

Avoid chewing on the affected side to prevent further damage. If a sharp edge is causing discomfort, cover it with dental wax or sugar-free gum. Try to save any broken pieces of the tooth and take them with you to the dentist. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek near the broken tooth to reduce swelling and pain.

Other Emergency Cases

Swelling around the Mouth and Oral Cavities

If you have swelling, applying a cold compress to the outside of your mouth can help reduce it. Use the compress for 15 minutes at a time, with 15-minute breaks in between.

Also, try to keep your head elevated, even while sleeping, to reduce swelling. Schedule an appointment once signs of severe infection are recognized.

Abscesses Causing Pain and Swelling

Drain the abscess, take prescribed antibiotics, and follow dentist recommendations for further treatment like root canals or extractions.

Fixing Temporary Crowns or Bridges Causing Discomfort

Replace the temporary restoration with a permanent one to prevent further damage and discomfort.

Falling of Veneer, Ceramic Laminate, Composite, Restoration, or Prosthesis

If a filling or crown falls out, use dental cement or sugar-free gum to cover the exposed area temporarily. Clean the area, keep calm, and see a dentist to re-glue or adjust the restoration.

Biopsy of Abnormal Tissue

Get a biopsy for any unusual growths or sores that do not heal to detect potential health issues early.

Semi-Urgent Dental Concerns

Action: Contact your dentist immediately.

Severe Tooth Decay or Broken Fillings Causing Pain: Get a new filling to stop pain and prevent further damage.
Suture Removal: Have stitches removed on time. Schedule a follow-up visit to ensure proper healing.
Adjusting Dentures for Cancer Patients: Regular check-ups and adjustments. Ensure dentures fit well during and after cancer treatment to prevent sores and discomfort.
Fixing Dentures That Don’t Work Right: Adjust or repair dentures. Visit the dentist for adjustments to maintain good oral health and comfort.
Replacing Temporary Fillings If You Have Pain: Get a new filling quickly. Replace lost or painful temporary fillings to protect the tooth.
Fixing Orthodontic Wires or Appliances That Hurt Your Mouth: Trim or adjust wires promptly. Prevent sores and discomfort by visiting the dentist for adjustments.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Understanding the signs of a dental emergency and knowing the appropriate steps to take during any emergency case, you can minimize discomfort, prevent further damage, and maintain your overall well-being.

Moreover, maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding risky behaviors, and being prepared with an emergency dental kit can significantly reduce the likelihood of dental emergencies. However, should an emergency arise, our team is here to provide expert care and support.

Dr. Noorbakhsh Dental Center encourages you to contact us directly for urgent dental issues or visit an emergency dental clinic if you cannot reach us during regular office hours.