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It may be an excruciating toothache at night, or a chipped tooth during a meal—dental emergencies can happen to the best of us. If your dentist's appointment is still months away, you might need to call an emergency dentist who can see you immediately. In this article, we list down examples of instances when you need to call urgent dental care, and what to do while you wait.
When you have a severe toothache
Usually, toothaches occur when there's food caught in between our teeth. Before hitting that call button on your phone, try to floss your teeth to remove any trapped particles. Rinse with warm water, and observe if the pain has subsided. If the toothache persists, something else may be causing it, and it's best to call your dentist's office right away. Most emergency dentists will be able to assist you on the same day. If not, ask if they could prescribe pain relievers until your appointment.
When you notice a loose tooth
A loose permanent tooth is a sign of advanced gum disease and is an immediate concern. Ignoring a loose tooth may lead to additional trauma to your gums, or you may end up losing the tooth eventually. Contact your dentist right away and schedule an emergency appointment. Meanwhile, you can apply an ice pack or any cold compress to your cheek to relieve pain. Over-the-counter pain medicine will also make the discomfort more bearable.
When you cracked or chipped your tooth
A cracked or broken tooth may happen in an instant, like when you suddenly bite into a hard bone. It may also occur over time as you age or if you tend to grind your teeth unknowingly. If you notice a broken tooth, call an emergency dentist ASAP. There are instances when the cracks or chipping aren't visible, so pay attention to any pain or swelling of the gum.
Treatment can be as simple as putting fillers or crown to cover the damaged tooth. For more severe cases, a root canal may be necessary. While waiting for your emergency treatment, you can continue to practice good dental care. If there's extreme pain, do not put crushed aspirin on your tooth—doing this may burn your gums and destroy your tooth's enamel.
When you lose a tooth
If you've suddenly knocked-out a tooth, call a 24-hour dentist immediately. A tooth can be successfully replanted within 30 minutes of the injury. For the best chance of saving your tooth, pick it up by the crown. Touching the root may damage the cells needed for re-attachment. Gently rinse it in running water. Try to place the tooth back in its socket. If this is not possible, keep it between your gum and cheek or wrap it in a clean gauze soaked in milk.
While emergencies are at times unavoidable, having good oral hygiene will lower your chances of dealing with stressful and painful dental emergencies. To know more about how to better care for your teeth or if you have pressing dental concerns, contact us today and schedule an appointment!
If you’re looking for a local dentist to help you with your dental emergencies, get in touch with us!
