When you’re experiencing a dental emergency, it can be incredibly distressing. Whether you’ve accidentally knocked a tooth loose during a recent football game or are dealing with a major crack from a trip-and-fall accident, knowing what to do when these problems emerge can make all the difference in your long-term oral health success. 

Although you may be feeling increased stress during this encounter, there are a few incredibly beneficial steps you can take to protect yourself from lasting damage to your teeth and oral tissues. In this blog, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to ensure you take the appropriate steps in the immediate aftermath of a dental emergency. 

Determine Whether It’s a True Emergency

Unless you are experiencing extreme bleeding and pain, the first step in treating a dental emergency is determining whether it is truly an emergency. While you may be experiencing some moderate discomfort, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re facing a dental emergency, and instead may mean that you need to gently care for the tooth over the next few days. 

If you are currently experiencing any of the following symptoms, you are dealing with a dental emergency and will need to reach out to your dental team for immediate support: 

• Dislodged teeth
• Severe pain that persists for longer than a few days
• Swelling and abscess formation
• Broken or severely cracked teeth
• Missing or damaged fillings or crowns
• Severe soft tissue injuries
• Uncontrollable bleeding

While you might think that you can put off professional care, turning to your dental team ensures the problem is addressed immediately and appropriately, and your long-term oral health is being adequately protected. 

Start with First Aid

Once you’ve determined that you’re facing a dental emergency, it is time to begin administering appropriate first aid treatment. Before dealing with any other symptoms, you should always turn your attention to bleeding. Use clean gauze or cloth and firm pressure to reduce or stop bleeding in your oral tissue, including your gums, tongue, and cheek. 

If your tooth has been dislodged, locate it and ensure it is clean. If there is debris on your tooth, gently rinse it with water. However, avoid scrubbing as this can dislodge essential tissues. If you can do so, insert the tooth back into the socket. For overly sensitive tissue, it is best to store the tooth in a clean container of milk or saliva.

From this point, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. This can help address high bacteria presence in your mouth and can reduce swelling. If you have lost a filling or crown, use an over-the-counter dental cement or a dab or toothpaste to hold it in place. Finally, consider taking over-the-counter pain medications or using an ice pack to help with pain and swelling. 

From this point, you should reach out to your dental team for support. If this dental emergency has happened after-hours and the pain is too difficult to manage, you may need to go to the emergency room. Otherwise, call your dental team as soon as the office opens to schedule an emergency appointment.

Pain Management Tips While You Wait for Treatment

The best thing you can do during a dental emergency is manage your discomfort leading up to your appointment. There are a few great options for managing discomfort. For most dental patients, an OTC pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen is going to be your best and most easily accessible option to reduce pain and swelling.

However, an ice pack is also a great option. Wrap a cold pack or use ice wrapped in a towel and place it on the outside of your cheek near the affected area. Keep the ice pack in place for 15-20 minute intervals with 20 minute breaks in between. This should help cool your blood as it flows through the affected tissue, resulting in significantly reduced swelling and discomfort. 

Finally, consider a saltwater rinse. Use ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle gently to clean the affected area. This pain management should be coupled with plenty of rest. By relying on these pain management tips, you can focus on other life responsibilities while waiting for your upcoming dental appointment. 

What to Avoid to Prevent Further Damage

While managing the discomfort of a dental emergency, it is crucial to avoid actions that could exacerbate the problem before you see your dentist. Never attempt to clean the affected area by scrubbing or using sharp instruments, as this can worsen soft tissue injuries or dislodge a tooth further. Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could put pressure on a compromised tooth or pull out temporary fillings/crowns. 

If a tooth is loose or dislodged, protect it from being bumped or chewed on. Stick to soft foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Additionally, refrain from using alcohol or tobacco, which can irritate oral tissues and hinder the healing process. By being cautious, you help preserve the integrity of the tooth and surrounding tissues for your dental team to treat.

When to Visit the ER

Although visiting your dentist is generally the best course of action for treating a dental emergency, there are a few situations that necessitate an ER visit. If you are currently experiencing any of the following, it is best to head to the emergency room as soon as possible:

• Swelling that is inhibiting your ability to breathe, speak, or eat.
• Persistent bleeding even after using a compress.
• Major trauma to your oral tissue or jawbone.
• A rising fever that doesn’t break, even with OTC medication use. 

In most cases, the ER staff may not be able to provide ample dental support. However, they can manage more severe problems that would otherwise compromise your overall well-being. With their support, you can comfortably wait for your upcoming appointment with your dental team. 

Turn to Mountain View Dental for Your Dental Emergency

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, our team at Mountain View Dental is here and ready to help. Whether you’ve cracked a tooth, lost a crown, or are struggling with an oral soft tissue injury, our team is committed to helping you find lasting relief and protecting your teeth from long-term complications.

If you are currently dealing with a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us for support.