What is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any dental issue that requires immediate attention from your dentist. Many of us will experience a dental emergency at some point in our lives, whether from a sports injury, chipped tooth, severe toothache or something else.
Here are some common dental emergencies – and what you can do if one of these scenarios happens to you.
Severe Toothache
A severe toothache can cause sharp or throbbing pain and can develop suddenly or gradually. You have a dental emergency if you have a severe toothache that you can't treat with over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen).
Apply ice to your jaw, and go to your dentist’s office as soon as you can.
Object Lodged Between Teeth
Usually, dental floss would be the tool of choice to remove objects from between your teeth, but if this does not work it must be removed by your dentist. Do not use a sharp object to try and dislodge it, as you could injure your gums or push it further between your teeth.
Knocked Out Teeth
If you arrive at the dentist's office within an hour, your dentist might be able to replace your knocked-out tooth.
Try to find your tooth, give it a quick rinse with water (no soap or chemicals), and replace it in its socket. If you're unable to insert it into the socket, hold it against your cheek or put it in a milk container.
A lost tooth is considered an urgent dental emergency, so get to your dentist’s office right away.
Lost Crowns or Fillings
If you lose a crown or filling, the tooth structure may be weakened as a result of the tooth’s interior becoming exposed. It can also be quite painful and sensitive. That’s why a missing filling is a dental emergency, and your dentist should repair it as soon as possible so that it can be replaced.
Broken or Chipped Teeth
In many instances, teeth that have been chipped or broken can be saved. A filling can typically fix a small fracture, while a crown or root canal can fix larger fractures. Make an appointment with your dentist right away to have a tooth that has been broken or chipped fixed.
Lacerations to the Lip or Tongue
This is a dental emergency if a wound to the inside of your mouth causes a laceration to your lip or tongue. The bleeding can be stopped using a fresh cloth. Use an ice pack to reduce any swelling and get medical attention right away.
Dental emergencies are sometimes recognizable right away, and sometimes not. Do not hesitate to call our office if you have any questions. Our staff can screen you and provide advice on whether your issue is urgent.
