What To Do In Case Of A Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies can be painful and scary. However, remember that it can happen at any time and any place. So, always be ready and prepared to face a dental emergency. If you experience any dental emergency, you should visit your Hicksville dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will evaluate the situation and determine a plan of action. Your Hicksville Dentist at Simpli Smiles is here to help you with what to do during a dental emergency. Read to learn more. 

What is a dental emergency?

An emergency is any situation where you need immediate dental care. It is an unexpected, injurious event that often causes pain to the teeth or mouth. 

What to do in case of dental emergencies?

• Severe toothache

A severe toothache (also known as a dental emergency) describes pain that is severe, sharp, and localized. This pain can make it difficult to eat, talk, or even sleep. If you have a toothache, the first thing to do is call your dentist. In the meantime, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help ease your pain.

• Knocked-out tooth

Call the dentist immediately and attempt to put the tooth back in its socket. If this is not possible, keep it moist in milk until you get to the dentist. Never use aspirin, which is a blood thinner, as it can cause more bleeding.

Next steps:

1. Rinse your mouth out with warm water. Never use hot or cold water.
2. Use gauze to apply pressure to the bleeding site.
3. Apply a cold compress outside of your mouth to reduce pain and swelling.

The tooth should be replaced within an hour of it falling out.

• Broken tooth

If you have a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth, call our office right away. We can typically repair the damage with a filling, but sometimes, you may need more intensive treatment. If there is pain, cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medication can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.

• Chipped tooth

A chipped tooth is not a dental emergency, but it should be fixed as soon as possible. A chip will expose the dentin, which is yellow in color and can cause tooth sensitivity. A chip is easily fixed with a composite filling.

• Lost filling

Dental fillings are designed to last for many years. However, you may lose a filling through decay or because of an injury. If you lose a filling, do not delay calling your dentist.

When replacing a filling, your dentist will use a dental bonding material. The material will be shaped and molded so that it fits into the tooth. The material will then be hardened using a special light.

• Cracked tooth

A cracked tooth is a serious problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. It can get worse over time, so be sure to come in as soon as possible. When you have a cracked tooth, you might feel a sharp pain when you chew or bite down. The tooth might also feel sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.

• Abscessed tooth

Most commonly, a tooth becomes abscessed as a result of cavities. In these cases, the cavities have spread to the pulp of the tooth, causing an infection. Other causes of an abscessed tooth include gum disease, traumatic injuries, and cracked teeth.

If you suspect you have an abscessed tooth, you should call your dentist immediately. The sooner the dentist can treat an abscessed tooth, the better. An abscessed tooth can cause life-threatening complications if left untreated.

• Jaw injury

If you experience a jaw injury, there are some steps you can take to help the situation. If the injury is minor, you can rinse your mouth with salt water and apply a cold compress to your jaw. If your pain is more severe or you cannot fully open your mouth, you should call your dentist right away. If you’ve suffered a severe injury, you may need to see an oral surgeon for a full examination and treatment.

• Bleeding gums

If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, see your dentist as soon as possible. Bleeding gums may be a sign of gingivitis or periodontal disease, both of which are serious oral health conditions that should be treated by a dentist right away. If the bleeding does not stop after you see your dentist, he or she will likely recommend a procedure called scaling and root planing.

• Objects caught between teeth/gums

Don’t panic! If an object is caught between your teeth, try to remove it with dental floss. If a tooth is chipped or fractured, call your emergency dentist immediately.

In the event of a dental emergency, visit the Hicksville dentist Simpli Smiles Dentistry, 400 S Oyster Bay Rd #105, Hicksville, NY 11801. Call us at (516) 336-4902 for appointments.