Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies may be more common than you’d think. Knowing what to do if you’re in the middle of a crisis can help save your smile!
Toothache
A toothache can feel anywhere from a dull ache to a sharp pain on one side of your jaw. Typically, toothaches are a symptom of a larger problem, like a cavity or abscessed tooth, so it’s essential to reach out if you’re experiencing any oral pain.
If you have a toothache, give your dentist a call to explain your symptoms and make an appointment. Then, you can take some over-the-counter medication to ease the pain. Ice packs can help, too, but avoid using warm or hot compresses as heat can worsen the pain.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
If you’ve chipped or broken a tooth, don’t stress too much! Almost all chipped or broken teeth can be saved using a filling, root canal, or crown. Call your dentist immediately, and we’ll get you in as soon as possible to explore your options.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If you’ve knocked out an adult tooth, your dentist may be able to put it back in your gums and have it retake root. However, if this is the case, you have to act quickly. For example, a tooth replaced within 10 minutes has a good chance of taking root, but after 2 hours, the chances are low.
If possible and the tooth is clean, try to put it back in the socket. If it doesn’t go back in place easily, put it in a glass of cold milk to take it with you to your dentist’s office.
Badly Bitten Lip or Tongue
Unintentionally biting your lip or tongue is incredibly painful. Sometimes, falls and other injuries can cause you to bite your lip or tongue so severely that it causes a significant laceration and bleeding.
If this is the case, apply pressure with a clean cloth to slow the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop, go to your nearest emergency room.
Something Stuck in Your Teeth
Getting something stuck in your teeth can be frustrating and, at times, painful. If you find yourself with something in between your teeth, try using some floss to remove the object.
If you can’t remove the object, call your dentist. Never use a pin or sharp object to remove something from between your teeth, as you can poke your gums or damage the enamel.
Lost Filling
If a filling has fallen out of your tooth, it can cause significant sensitivity issues. Call your dentist immediately, and while you’re waiting to be seen, you can place a piece of softened sugar-free chewing gum in place of the filling to keep it protected.
