How to Handle a Dental Emergency: Tips for Quick Action

A dental emergency can turn your day upside down in moments. Knowing how to act quickly could save your teeth and reduce discomfort, whether it’s a sudden toothache, a chipped tooth, or a knocked-out tooth. Twin Aspen Dental Center provides dental emergency care advice on handling common dental emergencies and ensuring your smile stays protected. Reach out to us if you experience a dental emergency.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Not every dental issue requires urgent attention. The following situations are typically considered emergencies and should be addressed immediately:

• Severe Toothache: Persistent, unbearable tooth pain that doesn’t go away with basic pain relief.
• Knocked-Out Tooth: A tooth completely dislodged from its socket.
• Fractured or Broken Tooth: A tooth with extensive damage, particularly if the nerve is exposed.
• Uncontrolled Bleeding: Bleeding in the mouth that doesn’t stop with applied pressure.
• Dental Abscess or Infection: Swelling, pus, or severe pain indicative of an infection, which can spread if untreated.

Quick Tips for Common Dental Emergencies

Knowing how to respond in the first moments of a dental emergency can minimize damage and provide temporary relief until you can see a professional. It’s essential to contact us as soon as you experience a dental emergency. Follow these tips immediately following the accident:

• Knocked-Out Tooth: Pick up the tooth by the crown, avoiding the root to prevent damage. Clean the tooth with water if dirty, but avoid scrubbing or using soap. If you can, place the tooth back in its socket gently without forcing it. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, keep it moist by putting it in a container of milk or a tooth-preservation solution.
• Chipped or Broken Tooth: Use warm water to clean the affected area. Place gauze on the area if there’s bleeding and apply gentle pressure. Place broken pieces of the tooth in a clean container. Apply a cold compress to the cheek to help reduce swelling and pain.
• Severe Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to ease swelling and cleanse the area. Floss around the affected tooth to help remove debris and particles. Hold a cold compress against the cheek to help reduce swelling and lower pain. Do not put aspirin on the gums because it will irritate the gums and cause burns.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply gauze with soft pressure to the injury to help stop bleeding. Use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to ease swelling. See us if the bleeding doesn’t stop within 15 minutes or if the injury requires stitches.
• Dental Abscess: Rinse with saltwater to help some of the infection and reduce discomfort. Do not pop the abscess because it can worsen the infection.

What to Do While Waiting for a Dentist

If you’ve taken first-aid measures and are preparing to visit our dental office, we can help. Some of the best ways to stay comfortable and minimize further damage include:

• Control Pain: Use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort. We advise against placing medication directly on the affected area. If you can take both ibuprofen and Tylenol, take one extra strength Tylenol (500 mg) with 2 ibuprofen (400 mg) every 4-6 hours.
• Stop Bleeding: Gently bite on damp gauze to control bleeding from the tooth or gums. Keep pressure on the area until bleeding has stopped.
• Use Cold Packs: Apply a cold compress to the cheek to reduce swelling.
• Prepare Information: Bring any damaged tooth pieces and a list of your current medications to your dentist.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While not all emergencies can be avoided, protecting your mouth is important. Some of the ways to minimize the risk of dental emergencies include:

• Always wear a mouthguard during physical activities.
• Avoid chewing ice, pens, or hard candy.
• Maintain a positive oral hygiene routine to prevent decay and infections.
• Visit our dental team regularly for routine checkups and cleanings.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Dental emergencies require prompt attention, even if the pain subsides before your visit. Ignoring the issue could result in complications, such as infection or permanent damage. Acting fast increases the chances of relieving your pain, saving your tooth, and maintaining your oral health.

Contact Twin Aspen Dental Center

Twin Aspen Dental Center is here for your emergency dental needs. If you’re facing a dental emergency, reach out to us immediately. Follow our emergency dental advice, and don’t wait to contact our dental family. Book your appointment with us today to receive top-notch treatment with your comfort in mind.