When To Seek Emergency Dental Care: A Guide For Patients

Dentist Blog

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and knowing when to seek emergency dental care can be crucial to saving a tooth or preventing further damage. This article will explore common dental emergencies and when to seek emergency dental care.

Common Dental Emergencies

• Knocked-out tooth: A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. If the tooth can be located, pick it up by the crown and gently rinse it with water. Do not touch the roots of the tooth. If possible, try to place the tooth back into the socket and hold it in place with a clean cloth. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk and seek emergency dental care immediately.
• Cracked or chipped tooth: If you crack or chip a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling. Seek emergency dental care if the tooth is painful or if the crack or chip is deep enough to expose the inner layers of the tooth.
• Severe toothache: A severe toothache can be a sign of an underlying dental problem, such as an infection or abscess. If you have a severe toothache, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and use dental floss to remove any food particles that may be trapped between your teeth. Seek emergency dental care if the toothache persists or if you have a fever or swelling in your face.
• Broken braces or wires: If you have braces or wires that break or come loose, seek emergency dental care. Do not attempt to fix the problem yourself, as this can cause further damage to your teeth or braces.

In general, you should seek emergency dental care if you experience:

• Severe tooth pain or bleeding that does not stop
• Swelling in your face or gums
• A knocked-out or loose tooth
• A broken or chipped tooth
• Damage to your braces or wires

If you are unsure whether your dental issue requires emergency care, call your dentist's office for guidance. They can advise you on the best course of action based on your specific situation. When searching for emergency dental care, look for a dental office that offers emergency appointments or after-hours care. Check their hours of operation and make sure they are available when you need them. Consider reading online reviews from other patients to get an idea of the level of care you can expect.

Dental emergencies can be scary, but knowing when to seek emergency dental care can help prevent further damage and save your teeth. Common dental emergencies include knocked-out or chipped teeth, severe toothaches, and broken braces or wires. Seek emergency dental care if you experience severe pain or bleeding, swelling, or any other symptoms that require immediate attention. When searching for emergency dental care, look for a dental office that offers emergency appointments and has positive reviews from other patients.

5 May 2023