What to Do in Case of a Dental Emergency
Are you having a dental emergency? Knowing what to do in this time of high stress can make the difference between a long and short recovery. The first thing you need to do is stay calm. Then, follow our steps on what to do in case of a dental emergency.
Common Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency is any dental issue that requires immediate attention. Common symptoms of a dental emergency include uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain or discomfort, or infection. Some common dental emergencies include:
Bleeding that won’t stop as a result of an accident, blunt trauma, illness, or other cause
A tooth that is knocked out
Infection of the gum or other soft tissues that causes problematic swelling
Severe pain related to tooth decay, post-surgery, or infection
Tooth chips, fractures, or losses
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may assume it’s a dental emergency and should take prompt action.
How do I Know if I Have a Dental Emergency?
Sometimes it’s hard to determine whether you’re truly having an emergency. But you know your body best. Any dental problem that causes intense pain or will not stop bleeding should be considered a dental emergency. Any severe infection should also be looked at immediately.
Any dental problem needing immediate treatment to stop bleeding, alleviate severe pain, or save a tooth is considered an emergency. An emergency may also be any severe infection, which can be life-threatening.
What to do if Your Tooth is Knocked Out
While this is unlikely for most adults, if your tooth is knocked out of your mouth, time is of the utmost importance in ensuring its safety. You first need to locate your missing tooth and make an appointment to see your dentist immediately.
If you need to preserve your tooth, you can put it in milk. While the tooth is out, fill the empty socket with gauze or content to protect it from infection. If your tooth is chipped or broken, try to save as many pieces as you can.
What to Do in Case of a Dental Emergency
The first thing you should do if you have a dental emergency is to call us right away. At One Manhattan Dental, our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can call us at any time, and someone from our team will get back to you within the hour.
If you can’t see us immediately, there are some things you can do at home:
Warm water with salt and rinse your mouth with it to alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
Ice or apply a cold compress to any painful areas to help with irritation.
If you lose a tooth, put it in milk to preserve it.
Take over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate pain. Follow all directions on the packaging.
Your priority should be getting in-person help as soon as possible if you’re experiencing a dental emergency.
One Manhattan Dental – Available 24/7
At One Manhattan Dental, we deliver first-class oral health and dental care to all our patients. If you have a dental emergency, you can call our office any time of the day, and someone will get back to you. Our team of dental professionals is committed to focusing on the best treatment to ensure we deliver at the highest level, especially during an emergency.
Connect with our office today to learn more.