How to Handle the Most Common Dental Emergencies

It’s easy to recognize certain health emergencies, such as broken bones. But how do you know if a dental problem is an emergency, and what should you do if it is?

Daniel Park, DDS, offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dental care services — including same-day appointments — at Beaumont Cherry Valley Dental. In this blog, Dr. Park explains some of the issues that can constitute a dental emergency and what you should do leading up to your visit.

Dental issues you shouldn’t ignore

Sometimes, you can have an obvious dental emergency, such as sustaining a traumatic blow to your mouth. However, other issues can require urgent attention as well, such as the following:

• Severe or significant pain
• Pain in one tooth or several
• Pain in your jawbone
• Swollen or painful gums
• Cracked, broken, loose, or knocked-out teeth
• Abnormal sores or tissue in your mouth
• Oral bleeding that won’t stop
• Complications after oral surgery

Children can also have different dental emergencies than adults, such as a tooth pushing into the jaw. Sustaining any trauma to their mouth can also affect their permanent teeth. 

If you have any dental symptoms or concerns, we recommend contacting our office to receive guidance and to schedule an appointment. However, if you sustain trauma to your head, mouth, or face, or have serious injuries — such as a fracture, dislocated jaw, or excessive bleeding — you should go to the hospital immediately.

What to do while you wait 

Once you schedule your appointment, you need to take the right steps to ensure the best outcome. These steps can vary depending on your dental emergency.

Toothache

First, never put aspirin on a tooth or gum tissue, even if you have severe pain. Instead, use warm water to gently flush your mouth. Then, carefully try to remove any debris with dental floss. 

Cracked tooth

If you crack a tooth, rinse your mouth immediately with warm water. To reduce or avoid swelling, apply a cold compress to your face in the area with the cracked tooth.

Loose tooth

Losing teeth is normal for kids, but it’s a sign of a problem — such as decay or injury — in adults. If you notice a loose tooth, Dr. Park can take steps to stabilize and preserve it. If the problem is ignored, you may lose your tooth, which could jeopardize your oral health.

Knocked-out permanent tooth

Believe it or not, damaged nerves, tissues, and blood vessels can still grow back if a tooth gets knocked out and you get treatment within an hour. 

If your tooth gets knocked out, first rinse it in water, but hold it by the crown, which is the visible portion of the tooth. Then, to increase your chances of success, keep your lost tooth moist, either by putting it in a container of milk or by holding it in your mouth between your cheek and gums. You can also try putting the tooth back in the empty socket. 

Lost crown or filling

Losing these protective coverings can leave sensitive nerves exposed. And, even if you're tempted, don't try fixing a crown or filling that’s come loose on your own. This can cause more damage and harm in the long run, so schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Resolving dental emergencies

Your treatment will depend on your specific dental issue. When you arrive for your appointment, Dr. Park will perform a comprehensive exam to determine the best course of treatment.

Common solutions for dental emergencies include the following:

• Veneers for small breaks or cracks
• Crowns to protect and reinforce an entire tooth
• Dental implants to replace missing teeth
• Extractions to remove problematic teeth 
• Periodontics to treat periodontal disease

Getting emergency dental care can also reduce your chances of developing more serious deterioration or needing more invasive treatments.

Don’t ignore a dental emergency. If you experience one, call 951-845-2661 to get fast treatment at Beaumont Cherry Valley Dental.