What To Do In a Dental Emergency
There’s never a good time for a tooth emergency, in fact they usually happen at the worst time. Below are a few suggestions on handling dental emergencies:
Non-trauma related Emergencies
Tooth pain
There are many causes to tooth/gum pain. Avoiding what aggravates the pain is best. If the pain originates from the gums, flossing gently and rinsing with warm salt water helps. For severe pain, using a cold compress or sipping on cold water can help. Generally an over the counter medication such as an anti-inflammatory may help. Call your dentist or speak to your pharmacist for guidance.
Swelling
Any swelling needs to be seen by a dental professional immediately. If the swelling extends under the eye or down the throat it can be very urgent and even life threatening and may require a hospital emergency visit.
Broken Tooth, Lost Filling, or Uncemented Crown
For any of the above, try to keep the area clean, avoid chewing on it and see your dental office. Hang on to larger broken pieces and uncemented crowns, they may be useful. For any sharp edges place wax or a piece of sugar free gum to cover the rough area until the tooth can be fixed. There are temporary fillings and cements available over the counter in pharmacies if a prompt dental visit is not possible.
Trauma-related Emergencies
Fractured tooth
If the tooth is broken and the piece is relatively intact, try to save it and store it in saline, milk or water. The piece can sometimes be bonded back and makes for an aesthetic and durable repair. See your dentist as soon as possible.
Knocked out tooth
Knocked-out permanent teeth have the best chance of being saved if they are seen by a dentist as soon as possible. The tooth needs to be put back within an hour, the longer it takes the less positive the outcome. In the meantime rinse the tooth gently in cold water, DO NOT SCRUB or use soap and avoid touching the root. If you are comfortable you can reinsert the tooth facing the right way and hold it in place with gauze, or store the knocked out tooth in a container with saline, cold milk or water (in order of preference). Baby teeth CANNOT be put back!
Displaced tooth
If a permanent tooth is displaced, try to push it back in position if possible and hold it in place with gauze. See your dentist immediately.
Lacerations and Bleeding
For cuts and bleeding, apply pressure and with gauze, clean cloth or a tea bag (has to be black tea, not herbal). If the bleeding does not stop seek emergency help. A cold compress can be applied to the site to decrease swelling. If the laceration involves the outer lips or skin go to your nearest hospital emergency department. If the laceration is inside the mouth visit your dentist or dental emergency clinic.
Jaw fracture
If there has been trauma to the jaw and you cannot close your mouth, teeth do not meet in the usual way, it is possible the jaw is fractured. Visit the hospital emergency department immediately.
Accidents do happen, but the risk of dental emergencies can be reduced. Here are some simple precautions to reduce the chance of injury, pain or infection:
Wear a mouthguard during sports or recreational activities
Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy
Do not use your teeth instead of scissors
Wear a nightguard if clenching or grinding
Maintain regular dental visits to prevent small problems from becoming bigger problems
Most dentists reserve time in their daily schedules for emergency patients. Don’t hesitate to call your dentist for help.
