Do You Need Emergency Dentistry?
Unexpected dental issues can happen at any time. Whether from a sports injury, a fall, or another accident, these mishaps can cause immediate tooth damage. We are here to help you manage some of the most urgent dental concerns with prompt emergency services.
Any dental problem that requires immediate treatment to save a tooth, stop bleeding, or relieve severe pain qualifies as a dental emergency. Severe infections or abscesses in the mouth can be life-threatening and should be addressed immediately.
Call us if you have:
- A toothache that prevents you from eating or sleeping.
- A tooth knocked out.
- Broken or loose braces. If you are under the care of an orthodontist, contact them immediately.
- Chipped or broken teeth. If the chip is large or your tooth is cracked or in pieces, call us right away.
- A lost filling or crown.
- An abscess or “pimple” on the gumline.
Dental Emergencies: Immediate Steps to Take
Dental emergencies can be distressing, whether you’re facing them yourself or helping someone else. Stay calm, provide first aid, and contact a dentist as soon as possible. Below are key tips for handling some of the most common dental emergencies:
Dealing with a Toothache
Place a cold compress on the sore area to help reduce pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) may provide relief. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully, and keep track of what you’ve taken so we can assist you effectively when you visit.
What to Do if a Tooth is Knocked Out
Time is of the essence. If the tooth is clean and can be reinserted into its socket, do so gently. If you’re unable to reinsert it, place the tooth in a cup of milk and call us immediately. The sooner you act, the higher the chances of saving the tooth.
Handling a Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris. If there’s bleeding, use a sterile gauze to stop it. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort. Call us immediately so we can restore your tooth and relieve your pain as soon as possible.
How to Manage an Abscess
Abscesses are serious infections that form around the root of a tooth or between the teeth and gums. If untreated, the infection can spread. Seek immediate dental attention. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water) to relieve pain and help drain the infection.
Contact Us Today
Schedule your initial consultation and exam to start your path to a healthier smile. During your visit, we will examine your teeth, gums, and soft tissues, as well as the overall function and alignment of your bite. Our goal is to understand how your entire mouth looks and works before planning any treatment. Most importantly, we want to learn what you hope to achieve so we can create a plan that supports the health and appearance of your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the dental first aid tips above can help, the best first step is always to give us a call! We will provide guidance over the phone to help ease your pain, protect your tooth, and get you into the clinic as quickly as possible.
For temporary relief, take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil). Apply a cold compress to the affected area to help reduce swelling. Make sure to follow the recommended dosage and contact us for further care.
While the ER can treat some dental issues, they are not equipped for comprehensive dental care. For more serious dental emergencies, like tooth loss or infections, it’s best to visit Dentistry @ Queenston, where we provide specialized treatment.
If left untreated, a broken tooth can collect bacteria, risking infection or abscess. A broken tooth also risks nerve damage and may lead to needing a root canal. Immediate care is essential to prevent further complications.
Regular check-ups, practicing good oral hygiene, and using a mouthguard during sports can significantly reduce the risk of dental emergencies. If you’re prone to grinding your teeth, consider talking to us about night guards to protect your smile.
If the tooth is clean and can be reinserted into its socket, do so gently. If not, place the tooth in a cup of milk and contact us immediately. The sooner we can treat the injury, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
If you experience pain, swelling, or bleeding that doesn’t stop after applying pressure, or if you’ve sustained a trauma like a knocked-out or broken tooth, you should contact us immediately for an emergency appointment. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can help.
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