Emergency Dentistry

What is a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies can occur suddenly and cause intense pain. These can include accidents that lead to chipped or cracked teeth, loose or damaged restorations, or lost/damaged teeth. Studies show that around 22% of people have experienced dental or oral pain in the past six months. 

To determine if your child’s condition is an emergency, you can ask them a few questions, such as: 

– Are you experiencing severe pain or noticeable swelling?

– Is there persistent, unbearable toothache discomfort?

– Have you suffered a loose or knocked-out tooth?

– Do you notice swelling in your cheeks or face alongside toothache symptoms?

– Are you encountering extreme tooth sensitivity?

– Is there unyielding bleeding from your mouth?

– Have you sustained an injury to your jaw?

In general, any dental issue that requires immediate intervention to stop bleeding, alleviate severe pain, or save a tooth is considered an emergency. This also includes severe infections that pose potential life-threatening risks, which require immediate communication with your dental provider.

What is not a dental emergency?

If you are experiencing a dental problem, it’s important to determine whether it’s a dental emergency based on the severity of the issue. For example, if you have a chipped or cracked tooth, it may not necessarily be an emergency unless it’s causing you pain or has resulted in an injury inside your mouth. Similarly, if you have lost a tooth or a filling, you may be able to wait a few days to see your dentist. However, if you are unsure about the severity of your dental issue, it’s always best to seek professional dental care as soon as possible to avoid any potential complications.

What’s the best way to handle a dental emergency?

In the event of a dental emergency, it is best to reach out to your dentist first. However, if the situation is severe, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention in the emergency room. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to ease the pain and manage the situation, depending on the nature of the dental emergency you are experiencing. Some measures you can take include:

• Rinsing your mouth with warm water and a teaspoon of salt
• Placing a knocked-out tooth in a glass of milk until you can see your dentist
• Flossing to relieve gum pressure
• Applying a cold compress to the affected area to alleviate swelling and pain
• Rinsing with diluted hydrogen peroxide to eliminate bacteria
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication to reduce discomfort

Remember, taking proactive steps and seeking prompt medical attention can help minimize the severity of the dental emergency and improve your chances of a successful recovery.