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What To Do During A Dental Emergency
September 12, 2024
Dental emergencies can be frightening and painful and often happen when you least expect them. Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively can significantly affect the outcome, whether it's a knocked-out tooth, a severe toothache, or broken dental work.
This comprehensive guide will explain the steps to take during common dental emergencies, helping you protect your teeth and gums until you can see a dentist.
Understanding Dental Emergencies
Before diving into specific scenarios, it's essential to understand what constitutes a dental emergency. Generally, any situation involving severe pain, bleeding, or damage to the teeth, gums, or mouth that requires immediate attention qualifies as a dental emergency. Common emergencies include:
- Knocked-out teeth
- Severe toothaches
- Broken, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Lost or broken fillings, crowns, or other dental restorations
- Abscesses or infections
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Injuries to the lips, cheeks, or tongue
If you're unsure whether your situation is a dental emergency, it's better to err on the side of caution and contact your dentist for advice. Quickly acting can prevent further complications and increase the chances of saving your tooth.
What to Do If a Tooth Gets Knocked Out
A knocked-out tooth, or avulsed tooth, is one of the most severe dental emergencies. The sooner you act, the better the chances of saving the tooth.
Step 1: Find the Tooth
- Locate the tooth immediately. To avoid damaging the delicate root fibers, handle it by the crown (the part you chew with), not the root.
Step 2: Rinse the Tooth
- If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or water. Do not use soap or scrub the tooth; avoid drying it or wrapping it in a tissue or cloth.
Step 3: Reinsert the Tooth (If Possible)
- Try to place the tooth back into its socket. Hold it in place by gently biting down on a clean gauze or cloth.
- If you can't reinsert the tooth, keep it moist by placing it in a milk container or saline solution.
- If these aren't available, you can hold the tooth inside your cheek to keep it wet, but only if you are conscious and won't swallow it.
Step 4: Seek Immediate Dental Care
- Time is critical. The best chance of saving the tooth is within 30 to 60 minutes.
- Call your dentist or visit an emergency dental clinic immediately after the incident so they are ready for you.
What to Do for Severe Toothaches
Toothaches can happen from various issues, including cavities, infections, or trauma. Severe pain that doesn't go away signifies that you need urgent dental care.
Step 1: Rinse Your Mouth
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Sometimes, food particles stuck between the teeth can cause pain, so gently floss around the affected tooth to remove debris.
Step 2: Apply a Cold Compress
- If your face is swollen, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
- Do not apply heat, as this could worsen the inflammation.
Step 3: Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
- To manage the pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums or the tooth, as this can burn the gum tissue.
Step 4: Contact Your Dentist
- Never ignore a severe toothache. It could indicate an infection, abscess, or serious issue requiring prompt treatment.
- Contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an emergency appointment.
What to Do If a Tooth is Broken, Chipped, or Cracked
A broken, chipped, or cracked tooth can vary in severity, but it always requires attention to prevent further damage or infection.
Step 1: Rinse Your Mouth
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and remove any debris.
Step 2: Save the Broken Pieces (If Possible)
- If you can find the pieces of your broken tooth, save them and rinse them with water.
- Store them in a container of milk or saliva to keep them moist.
Step 3: Apply a Cold Compress
- If you experience pain or swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek
- This can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Step 4: Cover Sharp Edges
- If the tooth has a sharp or jagged edge, cover it with sugarless gum or wax paraffin to prevent it from cutting your tongue or cheek.
Step 5: Seek Dental Care
- Depending on the severity, your dentist may be able to repair the tooth with a filling, crown, or other dental restoration.
- Schedule an appointment as soon as possible to prevent further damage or infection.
What to Do If a Filling or Crown Falls Out
Lost fillings or crowns can expose sensitive parts of your tooth, leading to pain or further damage.
Step 1: Retrieve the Filling or Crown
- If possible, find the filling or crown and keep it safe.
- Rinse it with water to clean it.
Step 2: Protect the Tooth
- If you can't see your dentist immediately, use dental cement (available at most drugstores) to cover the tooth temporarily.
- Avoid using over-the-counter adhesives that aren't designed for dental use.
Step 3: Avoid Using the Tooth
- Try not to chew on the affected side of your mouth to avoid further damage to the tooth.
Step 4: Contact Your Dentist
- Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to have the filling or crown replaced.
- Delaying treatment could lead to further complications, such as an infection or the need for a root canal.
What to Do If You Have a Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a severe infection at the root of a tooth or between the tooth and gum. It's a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention.
Step 1: Rinse Your Mouth
- Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to reduce the bacteria and ease the pain.
Step 2: Do Not Attempt to Drain the Abscess
- Never attempt to drain an abscess on your own.
- This can spread the infection or cause further complications.
Step 3: Manage the Pain
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage the pain.
- You can also apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
Step 4: Seek Immediate Dental Care
- A dental abscess requires urgent treatment. Contact your dentist immediately or visit an emergency dental clinic.
- If left untreated, the infection could spread to other parts of your body, leading to serious health complications.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not all dental emergencies are preventable, taking steps to protect your teeth and gums can reduce your risk:
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
- Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Wear a Mouthguard
- If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
Avoid Chewing Hard Objects
- Don't chew on ice, popcorn kernels, or other hard objects that can crack your teeth.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
- Regular dental check-ups can help catch and address potential issues before they become emergencies.
Call STL Urgent Dental Today
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but knowing how to respond can make all the difference. By following these steps, you can protect your teeth and minimize damage until you can get professional care. Remember, when in doubt, always contact your dentist for advice—prompt action can save your teeth and prevent more serious complications.
Our St. Louis Urgent Dental team is here to help with your urgent, after-hours dental needs! We are open seven days a week (until 9 p.m. M- F) and deal with dental emergencies, including root canals, crowns, socket grafting, extractions, implants, broken teeth, and more. Please note that we are a "problem-focused" clinic and do not perform regular cleanings.
Our procedure pricing and other details are on our website. Schedule an appointment, and you'll be smiling again in no time!
Restorative dentistry is vital in promoting oral health by addressing dental issues impairing functionality and aesthetics.
While an urgent dental visit can look similar to a regular dental visit or cleaning, some differences exist.
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When it comes to dental care, your primary goal is always to preserve your natural teeth. However, there are instances where extraction becomes the best course of action to prevent further complications and alleviate pain. We recommend emergency tooth extractions when a tooth is severely damaged or infected and cannot be saved through other treatments such as root canals or crowns. Let's explore the common reasons for emergency extractions and what to expect during and after the process. Common Reasons for Emergency Extractions Severe Tooth Decay One of the most common reasons for emergency tooth extractions is severe tooth decay. When decay progresses extensively, it can compromise the tooth's structural integrity. Suppose the decay reaches the pulp or nerve of the tooth. In that case, it can cause excruciating pain and significantly increase the risk of infection. In such cases, an emergency extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection and restore your oral health. Removing the decayed tooth can eliminate the source of pain and prevent further damage to surrounding teeth and tissues. Dental Trauma Accidents or injuries can result in severe dental trauma, such as a fractured or dislodged tooth. Extraction may be the best option when a tooth is beyond repair or poses a risk to your oral health. A strong dental care team should have extensive experience handling dental emergencies and providing immediate care for dental trauma. They will be equipped to assess the extent of the damage and determine whether an extraction is necessary to protect your oral health and alleviate pain. Problem-Focused Examination Before proceeding with an extraction, our dentists will perform a problem-focused examination of your dental condition, usually including X-rays, to assess the extent of the problem and determine the necessity of extraction. This thorough evaluation helps your dental team make informed decisions about your treatment and ensures the best possible outcome for your oral health.
Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being. Yet, many people overlook the significant role that lifestyle choices play in the health of their teeth and gums. From smoking and excessive alcohol consumption to sugary drinks and poor dietary habits, various factors can have a profound impact on oral health. Let's explore how these lifestyle choices affect your oral health and what you can do to maintain a healthy smile. Smoking and Oral Health Smoking is not only detrimental to your lungs but also wreaks havoc on your oral health. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can irritate gum tissue, leading to inflammation and increasing the risk of gum disease. Moreover, smoking restricts blood flow to the gums, impairing their ability to fight off infection and heal properly. Over time, smokers are more likely to experience tooth loss and other serious oral health issues. Quitting smoking is essential for preserving the health of your teeth and gums, and seeking support from healthcare professionals can significantly improve your chances of success. Alcohol Consumption and Oral Health Excessive alcohol consumption is another lifestyle factor that can harm your oral health. Alcohol dries out the mouth, reducing saliva production and creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth; this increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer. While moderate alcohol consumption may not pose significant risks, it's essential to be mindful of your intake and practice moderation. Drinking plenty of water can help keep your mouth hydrated and flush out harmful bacteria, promoting better oral health. Soda and Carbonated Drinks Sugary drinks like soda and carbonated beverages are a significant culprit behind tooth decay and erosion. These drinks contain excessive sugar, which bacteria in the mouth feed on, producing acids that attack tooth enamel. Additionally, the carbonation in these beverages increases their acidity, further eroding enamel and weakening teeth. Limiting your consumption of sugary drinks and opting for water or unsweetened beverages can significantly reduce your risk of dental problems.
A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the center of a tooth (the pulp). The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. During a root canal, the infected or inflamed pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and then it is filled and sealed to prevent further infection. Let's look at common questions about root canals so you can keep yourself and your family informed and safe. What Causes a Root Canal? Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed; this can happen for a couple of different reasons: Deep Decay: Bacteria can enter the pulp through cavities that have penetrated deep into the tooth. Trauma: A cracked or broken tooth can expose the pulp to bacteria. Repeated Dental Procedures: Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth can cause irritation and inflammation of the pulp. Tooth Fracture: A fracture that extends into the pulp can lead to infection. Advantages of Having a Root Canal Saves Natural Tooth: Root canal treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth, which is often the best option for oral health and function. Relieves Pain: Root canal therapy alleviates the pain and discomfort associated with a tooth infection or inflammation. Prevents Further Infection: By removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth, root canal treatment prevents the spread of infection to surrounding tissues. Restores Function : After a root canal, the tooth can continue functioning normally for biting and chewing.
Our gums are an integral part of our oral health and our smiles. While teeth themselves can often be an indicator of dental issues, the gums also provide essential insights. Periodontitis is a gum infection that can damage the soft tissue around our teeth. Unfortunately, gum disease is relatively common and can lead to further oral health issues. Let's look at what periodontitis is and some prevention tips. Symptoms Dental professionals should be able to identify any gum-related issues right away during your regular office visit. However, you can watch for symptoms independently if you suspect you have a problem. If your gums are bleeding easily, swollen, bright red, or purple, and you spit out blood when brushing your teeth, there may be cause for concern. Another sign of periodontitis can be painful chewing and your gums feeling tender when touched. If some of these symptoms appear, it's better to be safe than sorry and mention it to your dental team. Causes The Mayo Clinic reports several causes for periodontitis; most often, plaque is the culprit. Plaque is a film of bacteria that can form over teeth when sugars in food interact with your mouth's bacteria and stick around. A regular brushing and flossing schedule can usually keep plaque at bay. If plaque hardens under the gum line, it can form into tartar, which is trickier to remove and requires a professional. Plaque and tartar can fill in pockets between your gums and teeth and lead to irritation, swelling, and periodontitis. Other causes can include: Brushing your teeth too aggressively Trauma to your gum tissue Smoking tobacco Oral piercings (lip & tongue) Who is At Risk? Anyone can develop periodontitis or have gum recession, but those over the age of 65 are most at risk. Cleveland Clinic reports that there is an increased risk for anyone who has mouth piercings, uses chewing tobacco, and has had braces or other orthodontic treatments. Hormonal changes can also play a role, so women who are pregnant or going through menopause may be at increased risk. Further, those with poor nutrition habits, especially those lacking vitamin C, are also at risk.
Dental care is an essential aspect of human health that has evolved significantly throughout history. Dentistry has undergone remarkable transformations from ancient to modern times, reflecting technological advancements, knowledge, and societal needs. Examine dentistry through history as we explore the fascinating evolution of dental practices. Ancient Dental Practices Evidence suggests that rudimentary forms of dental care existed in ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Mesopotamia. Early dental practitioners relied on essential tools and techniques for procedures (such as tooth extractions). These early practices were often intertwined with beliefs in supernatural causes of dental issues, leading to rituals and ceremonies alongside practical treatments. Dental Practices in Classical Antiquity The ancient Greeks and Romans made significant contributions to dental care, with notable figures like Hippocrates and Celsus discussing dental diseases and treatments. Dental care during this period involved tooth cleaning, extraction, and herbal remedies for pain relief. Despite limited understanding of anatomy, these civilizations laid the foundation for future advancements in dentistry. Middle Ages and Renaissance Dental Practices The Middle Ages saw a decline in dental knowledge in Europe, with dental care often provided by untrained individuals such as barber surgeons. However, the Renaissance saw a revived interest in medical and dental sciences. Dental practitioners began to emerge as distinct professionals, and the era saw the development of more sophisticated tools and techniques for dental procedures. Modernization of Dentistry in the 18th and 19th Centuries The 18th and 19th centuries marked a significant period of modernization for dentistry. Pioneers like Pierre Fauchard and John Baker made groundbreaking contributions to the field, laying the foundation for dentistry as a recognized profession. During this time, advancements in practices (such as the introduction of dental amalgam for fillings and improved surgical techniques) revolutionized dental care.