Dental emergencies can be frightening and painful, but knowing how to handle them if they should arise can make a huge difference in the outcome. Whether you experience a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or any other issue that requires immediate attention, following these tips from our dental team in Stoney Creek can help you navigate the situation while ensuring your comfort and safety.
Try to Remain Calm & Assess the Situation
Obviously, when an emergency arises, it can be difficult to remain calm, but panicking will only heighten your anxiety and potentially make the situation worse. Take deep breaths and try to assess the situation with a clear mind. If you are in severe pain, are bleeding heavily, or think you’ve broken or fractured your jaw, you need to seek immediate medical attention. You should either call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
For Less Severe Dental Emergencies
For less severe dental emergencies, call our dental office (or your dentist) as soon as possible. Explain all of your symptoms over the phone so the dentist can offer guidance on what to do next. In most cases, your dentist should be able to see you on the same day or offer advice on how to manage pain or discomfort at home. Common dental emergencies include:
- A toothache
- A broken, chipped or cracked tooth
- Something stuck between your teeth
- Tooth abscesses
- Swelling or pain
- Knocked-out tooth or artificial tooth
- Loose tooth or loose artificial tooth
What to Do if a Tooth Has Been Knocked Out
If a real tooth or artificial tooth has been knocked out, it’s important to act quickly to increase your chances of saving the tooth. The first step is to retrieve the tooth, rinse it, and keep it clean and secure in milk – we recommend a small lunch container or a Ziploc bag. Next, give your dentist a call and bring the tooth with you to your appointment as it can hopefully be reattached. If the artificial tooth has been damaged, a new one will need to be made. If your real tooth cannot be reattached, tooth replacement options will be discussed.
What to Do if You Have an Abscess in Your Mouth
If you notice an abscess on your gums or teeth, it’s important to seek help right away before the infection has a chance to spread. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter medication to alleviate discomfort or hold a cold compress to your face. Rinsing with warm, salt water can also reduce pain and swelling. Swish the water around for 30 seconds before gently spitting it out and avoid chewing on that side. During your dental appointment, the best course of treatment will be determined. It may need to be drained and you may need to be prescribed antibiotics to clear up the infection.
What to Do if You Have a Fractured Tooth
Taking immediate action if you have a fractured tooth is important to prevent further damage or infection. Following the fracture, you should clean your mouth and remove any debris by rinsing it with warm, salt water. Applying a cold compress to your face can help alleviate pain and swelling as well as taking over-the-counter medications. Make sure to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to prevent further damage. Book a dental appointment as soon as possible so your tooth can be assessed and so your dentist can determine the best treatment going forward. A tooth replacement option may need to be discussed such as a crown, bridge, or veneer. Other treatment options, depending on the severity of the fracture and if infection has set in, include a root canal or tooth removal.
When to Consider a Mouthguard
We recommend a mouthguard in a variety of situations to help protect the teeth and mouth from injury or damage. One of the most common is if you are involved in sports – a sports guard prevents chipped or broken teeth, cuts to the lips or tongue, and even tooth loss. Another reason we may recommend a mouthguard is if you suffer from bruxism, also known as teeth grinding. Grinding and clenching your teeth (which mainly happens at night) can cause wear and tear, jaw pain, and headaches. A custom mouthguard can prevent wear and tear and relieve symptoms. They can also protect any dental work you may have done such as crowns, bridges, veneers or dental implants.
Call a Dentist Immediately Following a Dental Emergency
Unfortunately, dental emergencies can happen at any time. It’s much easier said than done, but not panicking is crucial so you can make a clear-headed decision and try to prevent further damage from occurring. One of the most important first steps you can take is to phone Gateshead Dental to book an appointment, or, in more severe cases, go to an emergency room right away. In the meantime, we can recommend ways to relieve pain or swelling until it’s time for your appointment. There are ways your teeth can be saved if you follow instructions, otherwise, there are tooth replacement options available to repair your smile.
He’s completed a number of additional courses to best serve his patients and be able to educate them too. No matter your age or dental condition Dr. Sims can assist you in a professional manner and loves answering any of your questions or concerns.
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