A dental emergency can be a frightening and painful experience, often happening when you least expect it. Whether it is a knocked-out tooth, a severe ache, or a broken crown, knowing exactly how to handle the situation in the first few minutes can be the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Here is a guide on what to do during the critical moments leading up to your clinic visit with a 24 hour emergency dentist.
Avulsed Tooth
This is perhaps the most time-sensitive dental emergency. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, you have a golden window of about 30 to 60 minutes to get it replanted for the best chance of survival.
- Pick up the tooth by the crown, never the root.
- If the tooth is dirty, rinse it with water or milk. Do not use soap or scrub it.
- The best place for the tooth is back in its socket, or place it in a small container of cold milk.
Severe Toothache and Swelling
A sudden, throbbing toothache that prevents sleep is usually a sign of an infection or abscess.
- Use dental floss to remove any food trapped between the teeth gently.
- Mix a teaspoon of salt in warm water and rinse your mouth to draw out fluids and reduce inflammation.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek in 15-minute intervals to constrict blood vessels and numb the area.
Broken Teeth
A fracture can range from a minor cosmetic chip to a deep break that exposes the nerve.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any broken pieces you can find.
- If there is bleeding, apply a piece of clean gauze to the area with firm pressure for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
- If the broken tooth has a sharp edge that is cutting your tongue or cheek, cover it with a piece of sugarless chewing gum or dental wax to act as a temporary barrier.
Lost Filling or Crown
While usually not life-threatening, a lost crown can be very sensitive to air and temperature.
- If you have the crown, you can try to slip it back over the tooth using a tiny bit of over-the-counter dental cement.
- Household glues are toxic and can destroy the tooth structure or irritate the nerve beyond repair.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Injuries to the tongue, cheeks, or lips often bleed heavily because of the high blood flow to the face.
- Rinse the mouth with a mild saltwater solution. Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth or a damp tea bag.
- If the bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes of constant pressure, head to the nearest emergency room.
Final Tip
Keep an Emergency Dental Kit at home containing a small container with a lid, dental wax, gauze, and a bottle of pain relievers. If an accident happens after hours, call your dentist’s emergency line immediately, as they can often provide over-the-phone guidance to help stabilize your condition until morning.
