What to Do in a Dental Emergency: Your Quick Response Guide

We understand how stressful it can be when you are experiencing a dental emergency (a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, or a broken crown). These are situations that need an emergency dentist, and if you know what to do in a dental emergency, you can easily minimize damage, pain, and the risk of losing a tooth forever. Let’s learn how to identify emergencies, use first aid, and know when to seek urgent dental care. 

Immediate Response Steps for Common Dental Emergencies

If you know what to do in a dental emergency in the first few minutes, your immediate response can determine whether a tooth can be saved or if things get worse:

Note: If bleeding continues after this period, replace the gauze with a fresh piece and repeat the process. You can also bite down on a moistened black tea bag, as the tannins in tea have natural astringent properties that promote clotting. 

Is your dear child going through severe tooth pain? Check out Tooth Pain Children to find some simple home remedies.

Handling Specific Dental Emergency Types

Even when you know what to do in a dental emergency, different dental emergencies require different responses. Don’t forget that these are just home remedies and cannot replace professional care.

Knocked-Out Tooth 

Hold it by its crown, never the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with clean water for a few seconds. Place the tooth back into its socket immediately. Hold the tooth by the crown and gently insert it into the empty socket, and make sure it’s facing the correct direction. Bite down gently on a piece of gauze to hold it in place. 

Note: If reinsertion is too painful or impossible, place the tooth in a container of milk or saline solution to keep the root cells moist and alive. 

Broken or Cracked Tooth

Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water, then use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling and numb the pain. Carefully collect any broken pieces you find and place them in a container of milk or saline solution, because your dentist may be able to reattach them. They might also recommend treatments like dental bonding for restoration.

Note: Avoid chewing on the damaged tooth and stick to soft foods while waiting for your appointment. 

Read more: “How to Choose Between Veneers vs Bonding for a Quick Smile Fix”

Severe Toothache or Tooth Pain

While you are waiting for dental care, use over-the-counter pain relievers according to package directions. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for fifteen to twenty minutes at a time. Rinse your mouth frequently with warm saltwater, avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages, and try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth. 

Lost or Damaged Filling

Call your dentist immediately to schedule emergency care. In the meantime, avoid chewing on that tooth and stick to soft foods on the opposite side of your mouth. You can purchase temporary filling material at most pharmacies and apply it according to package directions. Brush gently around the area, and rinse with warm saltwater several times daily. You can also use sugar-free gum or temporary dental cement to cover the cavity and prevent food and bacteria from entering. 

Did you just break your tooth and need an emergency dentist? Visit Best Emergency Dentist Near You to learn how to act fast and minimize damage.

Dislodged or Cracked Crown

If the crown has fallen off completely, save it and bring it to your dentist appointment if possible. In the meantime, you can use temporary dental cement or even sugar-free gum to temporarily secure the crown back onto the tooth and make sure it’s positioned correctly to match your bite. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and stick to soft foods. 

Note: If the crown is cracked but still in place, do not attempt to remove it unless it’s causing pain or affecting your bite. 

Take a look at Emergency Dentist Toothache to find out how they manage pain.

Dental Abscess or Infection

While you are waiting for emergency dental care, rinse your mouth several times daily with warm saltwater to reduce inflammation. You can apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed on the package. Do not attempt to drain the abscess yourself, as this can spread infection. 

Note: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience fever, difficulty breathing, severe swelling in your face or neck, or other signs that the infection is spreading. 

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

Keep in mind that professional care is crucial for your health and safety when it comes to what to do in a dental emergency. Keep an eye on the symptoms below and consider getting immediate dental care when they happen: 

• Uncontrollable bleeding that lasts for more than thirty minutes
  
• Severe pain unresponsive to pain medication
  
• Completely knocked-out tooth (within hours)
  
• Significant facial or jaw swelling
  
• Fever with dental pain
  
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  
• Suspected jaw fracture
  
• Spreading infection signs (swelling, illness, fever)
  
• Severe injuries from trauma to the mouth or face
  
• Any dental emergency occurring after regular office hours

Some simple preventive care actions, like dental cleaning, can reduce the need for urgent care in the future.

Accidents Happen, But Your Smile Is Worth Protecting! 

You now have the knowledge and tools to respond effectively when emergencies occur. If you understand what to do in a dental emergency, you are a prepared responder who can protect your teeth. When an accident happens and you lose a tooth, it can definitely affect your bite and smile. My Dentist Langley offers high-quality dentures, braces, and implants to help restore your smile in Langley. You can also book an appointment for Replacing Your Missing Teeth.

FAQ

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