In the case of a dental emergency, it's important to remain calm. Understanding the type of dental emergency and how to navigate it can help you or whoever may be experiencing the dental emergency receive faster pain relief and proper care. In this blog, we'll discuss what counts as a dental emergency and how to effectively handle a dental emergency like a pro.

However, if you're in severe pain that is not helped with over-the-counter pain medications or are experiencing a fever, bleeding or swelling that cannot be controlled, it's essential to seek medical care right away. While some dental emergencies can wait several hours to receive treatment, others can be life-threatening and require immediate care.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies are not one-size-fits-all. A tooth can fall out due to an injury while playing sports. A crown or filling may fall out after wear and tear. An infection may spread due to improper care after a dental surgery. That said, specific emergencies may need to be treated the same-day as they occur, while others can wait a day or two before treatment.

• Severe tooth pain or toothaches that do not go away
• Chipped, broken or damaged teeth
• Teeth that have been knocked out
• Broken or lost filling or crown
• Broken or painful jaw
• Mouth sores or ulcers that do not go away after a few days
• Gum infections that result in swollen or bleeding gums
• Loose or detached orthodontic wires, such as braces or permanent retainers
• Severe pain after dental surgeries

While all of the above examples require treatment, not all dental emergencies require access to a 24-hour dentist.

• Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
• Trauma that involves the jaw, teeth or other facial bones
• Severe infections that spread to other areas of the body

How To Handle Different Dental Emergencies

Toothaches

For toothaches, assessing what may be causing the pain is important. Sometimes, it's simply a piece of food wedged between your teeth and causing pain. Other times, toothaches can indicate a bigger issue, such as an infection or dental decay.

• Flossing carefully between all teeth.
• Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater or an alcohol-free mouthwash.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Use a cold compress to address any swelling.
• If pain persists, contact us to schedule an emergency appointment.

Broken or Chipped Teeth

Mouth trauma can result in lost, chipped or broken teeth. This can cause significant pain and/or bleeding, so it's important to address the issue properly before you can get to your 24-hour dentist.

• Rinse your mouth with warm water and assess for any sensitivity.
• Apply a cold compress to manage any swelling.
• Contact your dentist and schedule an appointment within 24 hours.

Knocked Out Tooth

• Locate the tooth and hold it by the crown, not the root.
• Do not attempt to clean the tooth with soap or chemicals.
• If possible, place the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place. However, if it is too painful or cannot be placed back in the socket, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a clean container with milk or the tooth-owner's saliva. Do not place the tooth in tap water.
• Call your dentist and explain the situation. We aim to see our patients within 30 minutes to an hour after the tooth has fallen out so we can save the tooth and provide proper care.

Broken or Lost Dental Work

If a dental crown falls off, a filling comes loose, or a braces wire pops out, it can result in sudden and extreme tooth pain or sensitivity.

• Rinse out your mouth with warm (not cold!) water.
• If you still have the filling or crown, place it in a clean container to bring to your dentist.
• If the tooth or wire has any sharp edges, you can cover it with dental wax to avoid harming your tongue and cheeks.
• To reduce pain and sensitivity, avoid eating hard or cold food, as well as cold drinks.
• Make an appointment with your dentist to fix or replace your dental work.

Mouth Sores, Ulcers and Gum Pain

Some mouth sores, such as canker sores caused by poor oral hygiene or too much acidity, are not considered dental emergencies and typically resolve themselves in a matter of days or a week. However, a mouth sore or ulcer that does not clear up in a few weeks could be more severe and should be seen by a dentist. Similarly, gum pain that results in consistent swelling or bleeding should not be ignored.

• Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water
• Placing a cold compress over the area to reduce swelling and pain
• Use over-the-counter painkillers and anesthetic gels
• Contact your dentist to discuss options and schedule an appointment

Fevers, Swelling & Broken Bones

If you or someone you know is experiencing tooth or gum pain along with a fever, it's critical to seek emergency care right away. The same goes for dislocated or broken jaws. There are some emergencies that cannot wait, and time is of the essence to treat and care for the patient effectively. Our emergency hotline is open 24 hours. Do not hesitate to contact us or your local emergency dentist with extreme symptoms or trauma.

Stay Calm & Contact Your Dentist

We're here for you during your scheduled check-up, as well as sudden dental emergencies. We provide emergency dental care 24/7 and can help walk you through the necessary steps to take before, during and after your visit. No matter what happens, we'll ensure you're properly cared for in a calming, judge-free environment with the help of certified dental professionals.

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