What Should You Do During a Dental Emergency?
Contact a dental office as soon as possible. Describe your symptoms, when the problem started, and whether you have experienced an injury. This information can help the dental team determine the appropriate next step.
What you do before your appointment will depend on the type of emergency.
Severe Toothache
Tooth pain can have several causes, including decay, infection, a cracked tooth, or inflammation inside the tooth. Gently rinse your mouth and clean around the affected tooth to remove any trapped food or debris.
Avoid placing aspirin or other medication directly against the tooth or gums. A dentist will need to identify the source of the pain before recommending treatment.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires prompt attention. Pick up the tooth by the crown, which is the part normally visible in your mouth, rather than touching the root.
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it without scrubbing or removing attached tissue. If possible, place it back into its socket without forcing it. If you cannot reposition it, keep the tooth moist and contact a dentist immediately. Acting quickly can improve the possibility of saving the tooth.
Broken or Cracked Tooth
Rinse your mouth gently and try to save any pieces of the tooth you can find. Avoid chewing on the affected side until the tooth has been examined.
Even a crack that appears small can extend deeper into the tooth. Your dentist can determine the extent of the damage and whether the tooth can be repaired.
Lost Filling or Crown
A missing filling or crown can expose sensitive parts of the tooth and make eating uncomfortable. Keep the area clean and avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on that side of your mouth.
If a crown comes off, keep it and bring it to your appointment. Do not use household glue or other non-dental adhesives to put it back in place.
Dental Abscess or Swelling
An abscess is an infection that can develop around a tooth or in the surrounding tissues. Symptoms can include tooth pain, gum swelling, facial swelling, sensitivity, an unpleasant taste, or a bump on the gums.
Dental infections require professional assessment. Treatment depends on where the infection is located, its cause, and whether the affected tooth can be restored.
What Happens at an Emergency Dental Appointment?
The first priority is understanding what is causing the problem. Your dentist will ask about your symptoms and examine the affected area. Dental X-rays may be recommended when they are needed to see structures that cannot be evaluated during a visual examination.
Once the problem has been identified, your dentist can explain the available treatment options. In some situations, treatment can be completed during the emergency appointment. In others, the immediate goal may be to manage the urgent problem before completing additional treatment at a later visit.
Depending on the cause of the emergency, treatment may involve repairing a damaged tooth or restoration, treating an infection, performing root canal treatment, or removing a tooth that cannot be predictably restored.
When Is a Dental Emergency a Medical Emergency?
Some situations require emergency medical care rather than waiting for a dental appointment.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, significant facial or neck swelling, serious trauma to the face or jaw, or other symptoms that may threaten your general health.
Once the immediate medical concern has been addressed, dental treatment may still be necessary to repair injured teeth or manage the underlying dental problem.
Can Dental Emergencies Be Prevented?
Not every dental emergency can be avoided, particularly accidents and unexpected injuries. However, regular preventive care can reduce the likelihood that some dental problems will become urgent.
Routine dental examinations can identify decay, damaged restorations, cracks, gum problems, and other concerns before they cause significant symptoms. Wearing an appropriate mouthguard during activities where dental injuries are possible can also help protect your teeth.
Pay attention to changes between dental visits. Persistent sensitivity, occasional toothaches, swelling, or a damaged restoration may be easier to address before they develop into an emergency.
