What to Do in an Emergency Dental Situation

Dental emergencies can happen any time, during a normal basketball game or a late-night snack.

When it does, it can be scary. However, if you know what to do and act quickly, you may reduce the pain, contain the damage, and provide yourself with basic care before seeing the dentist.

Let's talk about handling common dental emergencies, so you can take control when caught in one.

Assessing the situation

When you have a dental emergency, the first thing to do is figure out how serious it is.

Emergencies can be mildly uncomfortable to potentially life-threatening. You may wait to see the dentist if you have a minor toothache or a chipped tooth that doesn't hurt. But visit right away if you have a knocked-out tooth, serious oral bleeding, a possible broken jaw, or an abscess.

Your dental team can advise you whether or not you must receive urgent attention.

Handling a Knocked-Out Tooth

Every second counts after losing a tooth. Here are some steps to take:

• Move quickly. Pick up the tooth and hold it by the crown. Avoid touching the root.
  
  
• Keep it moist. Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket or keep it in a container with milk or your saliva on the way to the dentist.
  
  
• Notify your dentist. Call to inform them you're on the way with a knocked-out tooth for emergency dental treatment.
  
  
• Manage bleeding. Use gauze to control any bleeding from the socket, but if it's serious, seek immediate medical attention.

Taking Care of a Broken or Cracked Tooth

A chipped tooth may not be as bad as a knocked-out tooth, but it can still be painful and cause other problems.

• Save the pieces. Get any lost pieces back if you can.
  
  
• Rinse your mouth. Clean your mouth with warm water and rinse the pieces.
  
  
• Cover sharp edges. Cover the tooth with sharp or jagged edges with dental wax, sugar-free gum, or a wet tea bag to protect your tongue and cheeks.
  
  
• Manage pain. Put a cold compress to help ease swelling. Taking over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen can also help until you can see your dentist.

Dealing with a Toothache

A toothache can cause minor annoyance or severe, constant pain. It could be a hole, an abscess, or a wisdom tooth stuck in the gums. Here’s what you can do.

• Rinse your mouth. Warm water with salt can clean the area and ease inflammation.
  
  
• Floss around the tooth. Sometimes, food particles can cause pain. Be thorough but gentle when removing them.
  
  
• Visit your dentist. A toothache won't go away on its own. Book an appointment with your dentist in South Calgary to get to the root of the issue.

Something Caught Between Teeth

Getting something stuck in your teeth can be easy to fix, but you need to be cautious.

• Try to get rid of it. First, try gently removing the object with tooth floss.
  
  
• Don’t use anything sharp. A knife, a pin, or anything sharp can hurt your lips or push the object further. Use toothpicks or floss instead.
  
  
• If you can't get rid of it, call a dentist. Call your dentist if the object doesn't come out using simple measures. Continuing attempts could cause it to go deeper or hurt your gums.

Avoiding Emergencies

Avoiding problems is still the best way to treat them, despite knowing how to respond. Here are some ways to reduce the risk of dental emergencies.

• Take regular trips to the dentist. Regular checkups can help identify and diagnose issues early before they become emergencies.
  
  
• Take care of your teeth. Ensure proper brushing and flossing every day to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  
  
• Get a mouthguard. If you grind your teeth or play contact sports, investing in a mouthguard can help protect your teeth.
  
  
• Pay attention to what you eat. Cutting back on sugary and starchy foods can help keep your teeth healthy.

Emergency Dental Services in South Calgary, Alberta

Emergencies can be frightening, but being ready and knowing what to do gives you the power to handle them quickly and confidently. Remember, however, that the most important thing in a dental emergency is to get help right away.

Note that these tips aren’t replacements for professional oral care. Always call your dentist to receive the most effective treatment for your teeth. Taking care of your oral health and maintaining close communication with your dentist can help you get better quickly after a dental emergency.

For emergency dental services in South Calgary Alberta, contact us at Chinook Village Dental. Our Calgary dentists and the rest of our team members do our best so you can receive immediate care.