Five Common Dental Emergencies and What to Do About Them

Dental trauma or accident can occur at any time and how you handle the accident will make all the difference. Emergency dentistry is a crucial part of our service delivery because we believe complications can be stopped if the problem is handled properly.

However, the success of the treatment largely depends on how well you handle the emergency. In this post, we list the common oral emergencies and what you can do about it.

Remember; a dental emergency is an injury or trauma that affects the teeth, gums, and the surrounding tissues. These accidents may or may not cause pain, so paying attention to other signs is crucial.

1. 1. Knocked-Out Teeth

Every year around five million teeth are lost as a result of accidents during sports or falls. The teeth dislodge partially or completely. However, regardless of the severity, the knocked-out teeth should be handled by the dentist.

It is critical to seek urgent dental care within an hour of the accident. This will make it easy for the dentist to save the tooth before it starts to die. In the meantime:

1. 1. • Rinse the mouth off with warm water to get rid of any dirt or debris
      • Pick the tooth from the crown (the surface) and try to place it back to the socket
      • Don’t use soap or harsh chemicals as they may damage the tooth
      • If the tooth is completely knocked out, place it in milk to preserve it. It is important to keep the tooth moist at all times when it dries out the cells begin to die

If it’s a baby tooth, follow the instructions mentioned above and carry the tooth with. Although replantation of the tooth back to the socket is not recommended, it still needs to be assessed by the dentist for any damage.

1. 1. Abscessed Tooth

Abscess infection affects the tooth and the gums or the spaces in between. The infection is a dental menace because it can damage surrounding tissues and cause the teeth to weaken. Furthermore, if left untreated, the infection can spread to the rest of the body can cause widespread inflammation. Seek emergency dental care when you notice pimples on the gums or swelling.

To ease the discomfort and draw out the pus, you can use mildly warm salt water.

1. 1. Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissues are found in your cheek, tongue, lips, and palate. When the tissues are injured, they can be severe bleeding and infections. As you come for emergency treatment, you can control bleeding by:

1. 1. • Using warm and salty water to rinse the mouth
      • Apply a gauze pad on the affected area. Alternatively, use a moistened tea bag for 15 to 20 minutes
      • Use a cold compress to relieve pain and stop the bleeding. Apply the ice pack on the cheek, but not directly on the skin.
   2. Toothache

Toothaches can be caused by different factors such as decay, infection, or broken tooth. Sometimes a tooth pain clears on their own, however, if the pain lasts for more than 24 hours, you need treatment. But, first, try to:

1. 1. • Rinse the mouth and use dental floss to remove any stuck food particles.
      • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
      • Pain relievers can help ease the pain but don’t apply them directly on the gums because they will cause inflammation

Visit our dentist for urgent dental care immediately if you have severe toothache accompanied by a fever.

1. 1. Broken Teeth

Unless the tooth fracture is a minor one, you will need dental treatment. After the tooth breaks:

1. • Try and save the pieces and rinse off the rest
   • Use a gauze pad to control bleeding if any
   • An ice pack can help to ease the pain and relieve swelling

How to Prevent Emergencies

Dental accidents are at times not preventable, but you can reduce the severity by wearing a mouthguard when playing sports. Plus, get regular dental cleaning and fluoride treatments to strengthen the enamel.

Take action

When an oral emergency occurs, visit Ortholine Family Dentistry in Coral Gables, TX for assistance and treatment.