Common Types of Dental Emergencies and Quick Treatments

Dental emergency can be frightening and, if not treated promptly, may result in long-term consequences. Whether it’s an abscessed tooth, a knocked-out tooth, or an inflamed jaw, painful situations like these require swift action and professional treatment.

Although there’s no substitute for seeking professional help right away when faced with a dental emergency situation, you can use a few quick treatments at home to temporarily relieve the problem without needing to visit the dentist immediately. Here are five common types of dental emergencies and some simple treatments you can follow at home before seeking professional help.

Types of Dental Emergencies

Common dental emergencies include loose teeth, chipped or broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and toothaches. In any of these dental emergency situations, it is important to seek immediate care from a dentist to properly evaluate and correct the issue. A dentist may need to take x-rays or perform other tests in order to determine the cause and plan the best course of treatment.

Severe Toothache

A toothache that is constant, throbbing, or causing severe pain may indicate an abscessed tooth or a dental infection that requires immediate attention. If you have a severe toothache, it is important to take action promptly to relieve the pain and prevent the underlying problem from getting worse.

Start by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth. Place a cold compress or ice pack on your cheek near the painful tooth for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling and numb the area. You can take over-the-counter pain medication to relieve pain while you wait for a dental appointment.

If the pain persists or worsens, make an emergency dental appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. They may need to perform a root canal treatment or other dental treatment to remove the infection. Delaying treatment could make the underlying problem worse and increase the likelihood of needing more invasive procedures.

Loose Tooth

If you have one or more loose permanent teeth, it is important to take action promptly to prevent the teeth from falling out.

First, avoid wiggling the tooth, as this can cause it to loosen even further. If the tooth is only slightly loose, you may be able to keep it in place by biting down on it or using orthodontic wax to hold it in position. If you are also experiencing dental pain, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

If the tooth is significantly loose or painful, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. They can evaluate the tooth and determine the best course of action.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If you have a knocked out tooth, it is important to act quickly to increase the chances of saving the tooth. Pick up the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root of the tooth, as this can damage the delicate tissue that is needed to reattach the tooth. Gently rinse the tooth with water to remove any dirt or debris, but avoid scrubbing or drying the tooth. If possible, gently reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place as a temporary measure.

If you cannot reinsert the tooth, place it in a container of milk or saliva to help keep the roots moist and increase the chances of saving the tooth. Call your dentist or seek emergency dental care at a dental clinic right. The sooner you can get to a dentist, the better the chances of saving the tooth.

Chipped or broken teeth

If a tooth is broken or chipped, it may expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth and cause intense pain. In some cases, a broken tooth may even require immediate treatment to prevent infection. First, rinse your mouth with salt water to remove tooth fragments or debris. You can apply a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area to help reduce swelling and numb the area. If the chipped or broken teeth has sharp edges, cover them with dental wax or sugarless chewing gum to prevent them from cutting the inside of your mouth.

A badly chipped or broken teeth can cause a bacterial infection if the root is exposed. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to have the tooth evaluated and determine the best course of treatment, which may include filling, bonding, or a dental crown.

Dental Trauma or Facial Trauma

If you experience traumatic injury to your mouth or facial bones due to an accident or injury, call for dental emergency treatment right away. You should immediately apply pressure to the affected area with a clean cloth or gauze to control bleeding. Then, apply a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area to help reduce swelling and numb the area.

If you have a knocked out tooth, follow the steps for handling a knocked out tooth. Then call your dentist immediately and request a same-day appointment. If you have a serious injury, are experiencing severe pain, or have uncontrollable bleeding, call 911 or go to the nearest dental emergency room. After receiving emergency medical care, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to have any dental injuries evaluated and determine the best course of treatment.

Lost Dental Filling or Tooth Crown

If a dental filling or crown comes loose or falls out, it can expose the underlying tooth to bacteria and debris, which can cause pain and infection, so be sure to take action right away. If possible, save the lost filling or crown and bring it with you to your dental appointment.

Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to have the tooth evaluated and determine the best course of treatment, which may include replacing the filling or crown.

Gum or Soft Tissue Injury

If the gums or soft tissues in the mouth are cut, torn, or otherwise injured, it is important to seek urgent dental care to prevent infection and promote healing. If you have bleeding or swelling, apply gentle pressure to the affected area with a clean cloth or gauze to help control bleeding. To prevent further irritation or damage to the affected area, avoid eating hard or crunchy foods until it has healed.

If the injury is severe or does not improve after a few days, make an appointment with your dentist or a dental professional to have it evaluated and determine the best course of treatment.

Always About Smiles Offers Emergency Dental Care in Bethlehem, PA

Always About Smiles offers emergency dental care in Bethlehem, PA. Our experienced, compassionate team of dentists and specialists provide urgent dental procedures, including root canals, tooth extractions, and more. We understand that the need for immediate dental care may arise unexpectedly, but with our same-day appointments and flexible scheduling options, we are here and ready to help. Our goal is to restore your smile without delay, so you can get relief fast and get back to enjoying your life as quickly as possible.