When it comes to health, most people have a plan for almost everything—keeping a first aid kit, knowing the location of the nearest urgent care, or even carrying a list of emergency contacts.
But what about your teeth?
Dental emergencies strike when you least expect them and can turn an ordinary day into a race against time. A sudden crack in your tooth while eating popcorn or an aching molar that keeps you awake all night can leave you scrambling for answers.
Dental emergencies are not just inconvenient—they can also pose risks to your overall health if left untreated. Yet, many people are unsure of what to do when faced with them.
This guide walks you through the eight most common dental emergencies and how to handle them effectively, helping you stay prepared and in control no matter what dental curveball life throws your way.
Lost Filling or Crown
Losing a crown or filling can expose sensitive parts of your tooth, leading to pain and vulnerability to infections. You can temporarily cover the exposed region with dental cement or sugar-free gum.
However, this is just a stopgap measure. See your dentist as soon as possible to repair the damage and avoid worsening the condition.
If you're unsure where to go, search for the top emergency dentist near you. Look for clinics with 24/7 availability, excellent reviews, and a proven record in handling urgent dental care.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is yet another emergency in dentistry that must be addressed at once. If you can recover the tooth, handle it by the crown (the top part) and do not touch the root.
Rinse the teeth with clean water if it's unclean, but don't rub too hard. Try to put it back in the socket gently, or it can be kept in a glass of milk or saliva and replaced by a dentist.
Promptness is critical; once teeth are knocked out, their survival only stands a high probability if the knocked- teeth are reimplanted within one hour. A dentist may put the tooth back into position and assess the next course of action to provide the best result.
Severe Toothache
Toothaches can range from moderate pain to excruciating pain that prevents one from functioning properly. Sometimes, they are caused by cavities, gum disease, or even an abscess.
Warm salt water mouth rinse can be helpful to relieve the discomfort, and you can take over-the-counter painkillers for temporary relief. However, do not try to put aspirin on the gum directly because it has a tendency to cause the gum to burn.
It is advisable you consult your dentist as soon as possible to determine the root cause of the problem and address it before it worsens.
Abscessed Tooth
An infection at the tooth's root or between the gums and the tooth is known as a tooth abscess, and it is a serious condition. Some of the signs include acute pain, swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth.
If the infection is left undiagnosed and without treatment, it may spread to other parts of the body, constituting a major danger to one's health.
Dental crisis intervention is essential in draining the abscess and the resolution of the infection by the use of antibiotics or root canal treatment.
Cracked or Fractured Teeth
If a tooth is cracked or fractured, it may not be painful at the beginning but lead to complications if not addressed. Warm water should be used to gargle, and you apply a cold compress on the area that is affected to reduce swelling.
Do not chew on that side, and see a dentist as soon as possible. The possible treatment methods may include bonding, crown or, in the worst-case scenario, root canal therapy. Seeing the dentist in the initial stages will help save the tooth and avoid further complications.
Soft Tissue Injuries
It is possible for the tongue, cheeks, gums, or lips to be injured through bites or falls. Spit the blood out, wash it out with warm and salty water and place gauze on the area to help stop the bleeding.
If it continues, consult your dentist or seek emergency medical help. Sutures may be required occasionally, but most skin wounds heal quickly.
Loose or Dislodged Tooth
In a case where a tooth is either loose or shifted partially, you should avoid trying to reposition it on its own. Put a cold pack on the affected area to minimize swelling, and consult your dentist promptly.
Splinting is, at times, employed by the dentist to connect the loose tooth to the adjacent teeth to provide support. These problems need early action before they cause permanent loss.
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding in the gums is normal from aggressive brushing; however, if this persists, it could be because of gum disease or some other underlying problem in the mouth. Gently brush your teeth with warm salt water and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
This requires a dental examination to diagnose and treat the problem. In fact, if identified at an early stage, gum disease can be controlled and prevented from destroying your teeth and causing further health complications.
Conclusion
Dental emergencies are not something one plans; they happen at any time and turn an otherwise normal event into a daunting experience. Therefore, the best form of protection is to be informed and prepared.
Whether it is a displaced tooth or unbearable tooth pain, being informed on what to do can prevent the deterioration of the situation. It is always essential to have a dentist's details easily accessible and consult a professional like Columbia Dental when experiencing issues.
Columbia Dental, with locations in Hamilton and Elizabeth, New Jersey, is your go-to destination for exceptional cosmetic and family dentistry. Serving the communities of Hamilton, Elizabeth, Bordentown, and Newark, NJ, their skilled dentists provide top-quality care and a full range of family treatments—all in one convenient and welcoming practice.
All in all, knowing how to handle such a situation in time is the key to managing dental emergencies and keeping your teeth as healthy as possible.
