Dental emergencies can happen at any time and most often require immediate attention. It’s important to know what to do in the event of a dental emergency so that you can receive the necessary care quickly.
We’ve put together a list of the most common dental emergencies and how to treat them.
Severe Toothache
If you experience sudden or intense tooth pain, contact your dentist immediately. Tooth pain could be a sign of an infection or another serious issue that needs treatment right away. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or recommend a course of treatment such as root canal therapy or dental surgery.
To manage severe tooth pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen, apply a cold compress to the area, and rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
Broken, Chipped or Cracked Tooth
If you have a cracked or broken tooth, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible for repair. Minor chips can usually be repaired with bonding or other cosmetic treatments, but more serious breaks may require a dental crown or other restorative procedures. If the break is severe enough, your dentist may recommend an extraction instead of attempting to save the tooth.
If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Knocked Out Teeth
If you experience an accident that results in one or more knocked-out teeth, it’s important to act quickly. Time is of the essence when attempting to reattach a knocked-out tooth because your chances for successful reattachment decrease over time. Rinse the tooth root with water if it has come into contact with dirt or debris but don’t scrub it—you want to keep as much tissue intact as possible! Put the tooth back in its socket and bite down gently on gauze until you can get to your dentist’s office, where they can treat the area properly.
If it’s not possible to reinsert your tooth, put it in a small container of milk and bring it with you to the dentist. If you are bleeding from the mouth, bite on a piece of gauze until the bleeding stops.
Tooth Abscess
An abscess is an infection at the tooth’s root that causes swelling and pain in the surrounding gums. Treatment consists of draining the abscess (if present), followed by antibiotics and possibly a root canal procedure. If left untreated, an abscess can spread throughout your mouth, causing further damage and requiring more extensive treatments such as extractions and even facial reconstructive surgeries.
How Do I Know if I Need Emergency Dental Care?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible:
- Severe pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter medications
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth
- Facial swelling
- A broken jaw
- Loose teeth that won’t stay in place
- A missing tooth or knocked-out teeth
- An abscess that is causing swelling and pain
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist, call 911 for medical advice, or visit the hospital emergency room.
Dental emergencies should always be taken seriously because even minor issues left untreated can lead to more serious problems down the road. Knowing what types of dental emergencies exist and how best to handle them will help ensure fast relief from pain while keeping future problems at bay.
Your Trusted Oral Surgeons in Deer Park
If you require surgical care for a dental abscess or a knocked-out tooth, we are here for you. Oral Facial & Implant Specialists in Deer Park, IL, is staffed by experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. Our practice offers a wide range of services, including dental implants, wisdom tooth removal, bone grafting, TMJ treatment, and more. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment. Call (847) 381-0106 or complete the online booking form.
