What To Do If You Have a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can strike unexpectedly, causing pain and distress. Whether it’s a broken tooth, severe toothache, or a knocked-out tooth, knowing what to do if you have a dental emergency is crucial. Let’s take a look at some of the essential steps your dentist in The Woodlands would encourage you to take during a dental emergency.

Stay Calm & Assess

During any emergency, including a dental emergency, it’s natural to immediately feel anxious, overwhelmed, and panicky. However, one of the best things you can do is to stay calm and assess the situation. Identify the severity of the injury, check to see if any other areas are affected, and determine what you should do next (Hint: you should probably see your dentist). 

Call Your Dentist

Even if your dental emergency doesn’t seem so serious after your adrenaline wears off, you should still contact your dentist in The Woodlands. Explain what happened as well as any symptoms you’re experiencing such as pain, swelling, or bleeding. Your dentist will be able to tell you the best course of action and schedule an appointment to see you quickly if needed. 

Find Temporary Relief 

While waiting for professional help, you can take certain measures to help get temporary relief. Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen following the recommended dosage and if it’s safe for you. Do not place aspirin directly on the gums as it can cause tissue irritation. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can also help reduce swelling and numb the pain. 

Knowing what to do in case of a dental emergency by following these three tips can help you remain calm and get the care you need. However, there are some emergency-specific tricks you should know about. 

• Knocked-Out Tooth – If you or someone you know has a knocked-out tooth, acting quickly is crucial. Carefully pick up the tooth by the crown (avoid touching the root) and gently rinse it with water. Attempt to place the tooth back into the socket, if possible. If not, store it in a container with milk or saliva to keep it moist. Rush to the dentist within 30 minutes, as the chances of saving the tooth decrease rapidly after that.

• Lost Filling – There are a number of things that can cause a filling to fall out, leaving a hole in your tooth. This can be painful as your tooth roots may now be exposed. The best thing to do is to fill the hole to protect those roots. Many pharmacies and grocery stores have dental cement you can buy and use to fill the hole. While this may help reduce pain, it is only a temporary solution and you should still see your dentist as soon as you can. 

• Chipped or Broken Tooth – An injury or even something hard and crunchy can chip or break a tooth. Don’t panic. First, find any pieces of the tooth and rinse them off with water. If you’re bleeding, apply a piece of gauze with gentle pressure. A cold compress can help with the pain and any swelling that may occur. There are many ways a tooth can be fixed, so again, schedule an appointment with your dentist in The Woodlands. 

A dental emergency can be a distressing experience, but being prepared and knowing what to do can make a significant difference. Staying calm, contacting your dentist, and taking temporary pain relief measures are crucial initial steps. Remember, every dental emergency is unique, and the information provided here serves as a general guide. It’s essential to seek professional dental care as soon as possible to ensure the best possible outcome for your oral health.

About The Author

Dr. Jennine Huet

Dr. Jennine Huet earned a Fellowship and Mastership at the Academy of General Dentistry and Fellowship at the International College of Dentists, American College of Dentists, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. She worked with the US Army Reserve for 13 years as a dental assistant, dental lab technician, and eventually, a dentist. Dr. Huet has been active in different community causes and has received multiple industry awards.

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