Dental crises can happen anywhere and at any moment, making an otherwise routine day extremely annoying. A sharp toothache or the pain of a knocked-out tooth can make you desperate for emergency dental care.
Knowing what to do in a dental emergency will help relieve your discomfort and preserve your smile. Our blog gives details on what to do in case of an emergency.
What Leads to Emergencies in Dentistry?
Imagine that you are enjoying a basketball game, and a powerful blow suddenly knocks out your tooth. This is one instance of how dental emergencies occur.
Dental emergencies can also stem from:
- Severe tooth pain that lingers and disrupts your routine
- Knocked out or broken teeth due to accidents and falls
- Dental infections causing acute pain, swelling, and discomfort
- Oral cavity getting hurt by loose or broken dental braces
The sooner you address such emergencies, the better the chances of preserving your oral health and avoiding complications arising from delays.
Let’s examine how to handle the chaos and take back command of the circumstances.
Steps to Take During Dental Emergency
Step 1: Remain Composed & Evaluate the Situation
So, you’ve had a bad fall and chipped your tooth, or you have a sudden, searing pain in one of your teeth. First of all, DO NOT PANIC. Though feeling panic is a natural reaction, it will only worsen the situation, and you will be left clueless about what to do next. We will tell you what you need to do:
- Relax, and stay calm. Take a deep breath.
- Evaluate the severity of the issue- How severe is your pain? To what extent is the tooth chipped?
Remaining calm will help you understand the situation and take the necessary steps.
Step 2: Control Swelling & Bleeding
Do you notice any bleeding from your gums or other parts of your mouth? Are there visible signs of swelling? Here’s what you should do:
- Press the source of bleeding using a clean gauze or cotton until it stops.
- Apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes on the swelling site to reduce the bulge.
These measures will help control the damage and reduce the pain before moving ahead.
Step 3: Give First Aid
A simple first aid can make a great deal of difference while dealing with a dental emergency. You can:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to remove bacteria.
- Keep a cool compress on your cheeks to reduce the swelling.
- Apply a numbing drug to reduce pain.
- When chewing, do not use the mouth part that is wounded or sore.
Step 4: Preserve Your Knocked Out Tooth
Please don’t panic if you lose or break one or more of your teeth. They can be re-implanted as long as preserved well immediately. Follow these guidelines:
- Always hold the broken or chipped tooth by the crown.
- Do not touch the exposed roots, for you may contaminate them.
- Use only milk or salt solution to rinse the tooth off dirt particles.
- DO NOT use soap or try scrubbing it.
- Try to place the tooth back in its original socket. If unsuccessful, preserve it in milk or saliva until you can receive professional dental care.
Follow these instructions diligently for positive outcomes.
Step 5: Minimise Pain, Manage Discomfort
What to do during a dental emergency when unable to contact your dentist?
To alleviate dental pain until you can see an emergency dentist, consider using over-the-counter pain relievers to temporarily relieve pain and inflammation. Take care not to exceed the recommended dosage until you get your doctor’s prescription.
You can also find temporary relief by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. Rinse for 30 seconds and spit it out. This can soothe painful gums and help with swelling.
Step 6: Contact Your Dentist Immediately
The above measures teach you how to handle dental emergencies to gain temporary relief. However, only a dentist can evaluate the damage, identify the problem, and administer treatment to guarantee full recovery.
Hence, you should reach out to your dentist or an emergency dental clinic without delay. Describe the situation clearly and follow your dentist’s advice.
What Not To Do During Dental Emergencies?
- Do not delay seeking dental care. Timing is crucial for any medical emergency, and dental emergencies are no exception.
- Never ignore bleeding from your gums or other parts of the oral cavity. Persistent and severe bleeding needs immediate care.
- Avoid touching the exposed root of a knocked-out tooth. Always handle it by the crown to prevent infection and damage.
- Never attempt using do-it-yourself or home treatments to treat dental problems. It will only make the problem worse and result in more harm.
- Aspirin might harm your tissues, so avoid putting it directly on your teeth.
Wrapping Up
Dental emergencies should never be taken lightly. Even the slightest pain or swelling requires immediate attention to protect your oral health.
Woden Dental Centre, one of Canberra’s most prominent dental clinics, provides a wide range of emergency dental services to address urgent needs. With a dedicated team committed to patient care, we handle all kinds of dental emergencies with professionalism and expertise.
Contact us during dental emergencies and prioritise your oral health.