Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, and knowing what to do can help minimize pain and prevent further complications. Here’s a guide from Thomas Dental on how to handle common dental emergencies so you can act quickly and effectively.
Dental Emergency Symptoms
1. Toothache: A toothache is one of the most common dental emergencies and can have various causes, from decay to infection. Here’s what to do if you’re experiencing severe tooth pain:
- Rinse with Warm Water: Start by rinsing your mouth with warm water to clean out any debris that may be stuck around the aching area.
- Floss Gently: Sometimes, food particles stuck between teeth can be the culprit. Carefully floss around the painful area to ensure nothing is lodged.
- Use a Cold Compress: If there is swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce inflammation.
- Pain Relief Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and swelling, but avoid aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, as it can cause burns.
When to Call a Dentist: If the pain is intense, persists for more than a day, or is accompanied by fever or swelling, call Thomas Dental at 330-494-2111 right away. A toothache could indicate an infection or abscess that requires immediate attention.
2. Chipped or Broken Tooth: A broken or chipped tooth may not always hurt, but it can become sensitive and is more susceptible to further damage. Here’s what to do:
- Save Any Pieces: If possible, collect any broken fragments and rinse them with warm water. Bring these pieces with you to the dental office.
- Rinse Your Mouth: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Apply Gauze for Bleeding: If there’s any bleeding, gently apply gauze to the affected area until it stops.
- Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek to reduce swelling.
When to Call a Dentist: For any broken or chipped tooth, contact Thomas Dental as soon as possible at 330-494-2111. Even minor chips can lead to complications if not addressed promptly.
3. Knocked-Out Tooth: Losing a tooth is a true dental emergency, especially if you want to save the tooth. Quick action can increase the chances of successful re-implantation.
- Pick Up the Tooth Carefully: Hold the tooth by the crown (the part that’s visible in your mouth), not the root.
- Rinse Gently: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it with water. Avoid scrubbing or removing any attached tissue.
- Reinsert if Possible: Try to place the tooth back into its socket and gently bite down to keep it in place.
- Keep It Moist: If reinserting isn’t possible, store the tooth in a container with milk, or keep it in your mouth, between your cheek and gums, until you reach the dentist.
When to Call a Dentist:
Time is critical with a knocked-out tooth. Contact Thomas Dental immediately at 330-494-2111 and head to our office at 1421 Portage St NW North Canton, OH 44720. The quicker you act, the better the chance of saving the tooth.