Dental Emergency: What to Do If Dental Problem Happens Suddenly

Dental problems can arise suddenly. You might wake up with a toothache, break a tooth while eating or injure your mouth in a fall or while playing sports. In such situations it is easy to panic or wait and watch if the problem settles down on its own. But some dental problems need to be taken care of fast. Getting treatment fast might also help protect the tooth involved and keep the problem from getting worse.

Does Your Dental Problem Need Urgent Care?

You don’t always need to see a dentist right away for a little tooth pain or a small dental problem. But if you experience severe or ongoing pain, swelling around the tooth or face, bleeding that doesn’t stop, a knocked-out tooth or difficulty breathing or swallowing, don’t ignore it. You may also develop a fever, swelling, a bad taste in your mouth or a painful swelling on your gums from a serious dental infection.

These signs need immediate dental care and if you are not sure how serious the problem is, speak to your dentist and explain what you are experiencing. It’s better to seek advice early than wait for the pain or other symptoms to get worse.

What Can You Do When a Tooth Hurts Badly?

Tooth pain can be severe enough to interrupt eating, sleeping and even ordinary activities such as concentrating. If you have to wait for a dental appointment, there are some simple things you can do to get some relief in the meantime.

• A gentle rinse with warm salt water may help soothe your mouth temporarily.
• Swelling and pain may be helped by applying a cold pack to the outside of your cheek.
• If you can safely take an over-the-counter pain reliever, it might help.
• Follow the instructions on the pack when taking the medicine and do not take more than the recommended dose.
• One thing not to do is use an aspirin tablet directly on the painful tooth or gum. It is irritating and damaging to soft tissue.

Remember, these measures only help you manage the discomfort for a short period of time. These steps may ease the pain for a while, but they will not treat the underlying dental problem.

When a Tooth Is Knocked Out, Act Quickly

A completely knocked-out tooth requires quick attention. If you can find the tooth, hold it by the crown, the part that is normally visible in the mouth. Do not touch the root.

If it is dirty, rinse gently, but don’t scrub the tooth. If possible, gently place the tooth back into its socket, but never push it into position. If you cannot put it back, make sure it stays moist while you make your way to the dentist. You can either keep it in a small amount of milk or can hold the tooth inside your cheek, but only if you can do this safely without accidentally swallowing it.

Keep the tooth moist and avoid rubbing or cleaning its root. Try to see a dentist as soon as you can, as quick treatment may improve the chances of saving it.

What Can You Do About a Chipped or Broken Tooth?

If you chip or break a tooth, it’s important to see a dentist, particularly if it’s painful or has a sharp edge.  Gently rinse your mouth with warm water and check whether any pieces of the tooth have broken off and if you find any, keep them safely and take them along when you visit your dentist. If the broken area feels sharp and is irritating your tongue or mouth, you can temporarily cover the edge with dental wax or sugar-free gum. If swelling is present, a cold compress may also be helpful. A small, painless chip may not need emergency treatment, but a bigger break or painful tooth should be looked immediately.

If Your Filling or Crown Falls Out, Act Quickly

If you lose a filling or a crown, your tooth can become exposed and sensitive. If you lose a crown do not throw it away keep it safe. Until you see your dentist, don’t chew on that side.
Sometimes a temporary dental material or denture adhesive can be used to retain a crown but this is only a temporary solution. Don’t delay the dentist appointment. That exposed tooth may be more likely to suffer additional damage or decay.

When to Go to Emergency Dental Care?

• If the pain is severe or does not improve or you notice swelling around your face, jaw or gums, ongoing bleeding or a tooth that has been knocked out, contact a dentist without waiting for your next regular check-up.
• Breathing or swallowing difficulties can be a sign of a serious problem. If you experience either of these, get emergency medical care without delay.
• Jaw or facial injuries involving teeth may also need urgent assessment. If a serious accident has caused both head and dental injuries a medical assessment should be done first.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Teeth from Dental Emergencies

Some dental emergencies are unavoidable, but regular care can help prevent some problems from getting worse.

• Brush teeth twice daily and floss regularly.
• Seeing your dentist regularly helps catch problems early, before they turn into painful emergencies.
• Do not bite hard objects or open packets with your teeth.
• If you play sports or do activities where your face can get hit, a mouthguard can help protect your teeth.
• If you have a cracked tooth, loose filling or another dental problem, do not delay treatment.

Small problems can become much more of a bother if they are not dealt with.

Why You Should Book an Appointment at Rajeshwari Dental Clinic for a Dental Emergency

A sudden dental problem can leave you worried, especially when you don’t know what has caused it or how serious it may be. Seeing a dentist can help identify the problem and guide you on the treatment you may need.

Rajeshwari Dental Clinic offers emergency dental care and restorative dental services including root canal treatment, crowns and bridges, wisdom tooth removal, dental implants and other dental procedures. The clinic also sees children and elderly patients. Dental emergencies can be scary, but staying calm and taking the right first steps can make all the difference. Protect the injured tooth, avoid risky home remedies and contact a dentist immediately.

If you have a dental emergency, don’t wait to get it checked immediately.

Tags: crowns and bridges , dental care , Dental Emergency , dental implants , Dental Problem , dentist , Root Canal Treatment , Tooth pain , wisdom tooth removal