It’s never fun to be enjoying your favorite food and hear a crack, then feel pain in your tooth and feel something crunchy in your mouth. Or maybe, it’s not you, but your child takes a tumble during a soccer game, and gets their tooth knocked-out. Dental emergencies like these are not only stressful but can be serious if not addressed quickly. Knowing what to do when your dental emergency happens can make a world of difference. This blog article will cover what you need to know about emergency dental care, so you’re prepared for any unexpected dental dilemmas.
The first thing you need to know is, what exactly qualifies as a dental emergency? Not every dental issue requires immediate attention, but some situations do. Severe toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, and infections or abscesses are all dental emergencies that need urgent care. If you’re experiencing intense pain, swelling, or bleeding, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. If you delay care, it can lead to more serious complications, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Knowing when to seek emergency dental care is just as important as knowing where to go. These are a few common scenarios to help you decide if you need urgent care. If you have a severe toothache that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain medication, it’s time to see an emergency dentist. Pain that doesn’t go away, or keeps you up at night can indicate a serious issue such as an abscess or infection, both of which require prompt treatment to prevent further complications. Similarly, if you notice swelling in your gums or face, it could be a sign of an infection that needs immediate attention. A knocked-out tooth is another situation where time is of the essence. If you or someone else loses a tooth, try to retrieve it, handle it by the crown (the part that’s visible in the mouth), and rinse it with water. If possible, place the tooth back in the socket and hold it there while you seek emergency dental care. If reinsertion isn’t feasible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a container of milk or a tooth preservation product, which you can find in most drugstores. Acting quickly increases the chances of saving the tooth. It needs to be put back in the socket in under an hour to be viable. Broken or chipped teeth also warrant a visit to an emergency dentist, especially if the break is severe or causes sharp edges that can cut your mouth. Minor chips might not be urgent, but significant damage should be assessed by a professional to prevent further injury or infection.
When you arrive at an emergency dental clinic, the staff will assess your situation and prioritize treatment based on the severity of your condition. For example, a knocked-out tooth or severe infection will likely be treated immediately, while less urgent issues may require a short wait. During your visit, the dentist will perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of your symptoms and the best course of action. This might include X-rays to get a better look at the problem. Depending on the issue, treatments can range from pain relief and antibiotics for infections to more intensive procedures like root canals or extractions.
