Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them

When a dental emergency happens unexpectedly, you will want to know how to handle it in the best possible manner. Additionally, you need to find an emergency dental office that can provide prompt attention ASAP to prevent further complications and alleviate pain.

Whatever your dental emergency, be it a broken tooth or something else, knowing how to deal with it properly will make all the difference in preserving your present and future oral health.

In the comprehensive guide below, we'll go over some of the most common dental emergencies and provide practical tips on how to handle them effectively.

1. Toothache

A toothache is one of the most common dental emergencies, ranging from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. If you experience a toothache, here are some steps to take.

Firstly, use warm water and rinse your mouth. This will clean out the area.

Secondly, if you can without hurting yourself, use dental floss to clean out any debris.

You can also take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, to help alleviate pain and inflammation. However, avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gum tissue, as this can cause irritation.

If the pain persists or worsens, contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment and determine the underlying cause of the toothache.

2. Broken or Chipped Tooth

A broken or chipped tooth can occur due to trauma, such as a fall, a collision, or biting a hard object. If you break or chip a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area, and use gauze to apply pressure if there is any bleeding.

If possible, save any broken or chipped tooth fragments, as your dentist may be able to repair them. If you experience pain or swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Contact your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment to assess the damage and determine the best course of treatment.

3. Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth, or an avulsed tooth, requires immediate attention to maximize the chances of saving the tooth. If you knock out a tooth, hold it by the crown and avoid touching the root to prevent damage to the delicate tissues.

Wash the tooth gently with water to remove any dirt or debris. However, don't scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments. If you can, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket and hold it in place by gently biting down or using clean gauze.

If you can't do that, put the tooth in a container of milk or saliva to keep it moist and transport it to your dentist as soon as possible. Time is of the essence when dealing with a knocked-out tooth, so seek emergency dental care immediately for the best chance of saving the tooth.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

A lost filling or crown can occur due to wear and tear, decay, or trauma to the tooth. If you lose a filling or crown, clean the affected area with warm water and try to place the filling or crown back in its original position if possible.

You can use temporary dental cement or over-the-counter dental adhesive to hold the filling or crown in place until you can see your dentist. Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth and consuming hard or sticky foods that could dislodge the filling or crown further.

Contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for a permanent restoration.

5. Abscess or Swelling

An abscess is a painful infection that can develop around the root of a tooth or in the gum tissue, leading to swelling, inflammation, and pus formation. If you have an abscess or swelling in your mouth, rinse with warm salt water to help reduce pain and draw out infection.

You can also use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to alleviate swelling and discomfort. However, it's essential to seek prompt dental care for an abscess or swelling, as untreated infections can spread to other parts of the body and lead to serious complications.

Contact your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment to drain the abscess and prescribe antibiotics if necessary.

6. Object Lodged Between Teeth

Small objects or food particles can sometimes become lodged between your teeth, causing discomfort or pain. If this happens, try using dental floss to gently remove the object.

Avoid using sharp or pointed objects, such as toothpicks or pins, as they can damage your gums or push the object further between your teeth. If you can't dislodge the object with floss, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to help dislodge it or reduce swelling.

Contact your dentist for assistance if the problem persists or causes significant discomfort.

7. Dental Trauma Without Visible Damage

In some cases, dental trauma may occur without any visible damage to the teeth or surrounding tissues. This can include injuries such as a blow to the face or mouth, which may cause pain, swelling, or discomfort.

If you experience dental trauma without visible damage, it's essential to seek prompt dental care to assess the extent of the injury and ensure that there are no underlying issues.

Even if there are no visible signs of damage, trauma to the teeth or jaw can have long-term consequences if left untreated. Contact your dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

An Emergency Dentist Office Offers 24-Hour Dental Services

When you need dental pain relief immediately because of a dental emergency, then you will want to find an emergency dentist's office that is open late. 

Riverside Dental Care is a 24-hour dentist on the Upper West Side and is ready to treat any urgent dental issues. We will make room in our schedule to see you as soon as possible so you don't have to lose a tooth or worse. 

Contact our office at (646) 906-9676 right away or visit our website to find out more about our services.