Here's What to Do When a Dental Emergency Strikes

As a Henderson Emergency Dentist we know emergencies don’t follow any timeline; they can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. And just like daily life emergencies, dental emergencies are preventable but not completely avoidable. But knowing what to do in an emergency could mean the difference between losing and saving a tooth. So, the first thing one must do in an emergency is not to panic! There are ways to handle dental emergencies, and this blog is about learning what one should do if one is in a specific emergency.

So, read on to learn everything you need about dental emergencies and their management. But first, let us learn what constitutes a dental emergency.

What is a Dental Emergency?

According to the American Dental Association, a dental emergency is any potentially life-threatening situation that requires immediate intervention to stop uncontrolled bleeding or to alleviate pain or severe infection. So, dental emergencies should not be taken lightly, and immediate treatment must be sought.

What to do in Case of Specific Dental Emergencies?

Here are some tips for managing common dental emergencies:

1. Knocked-out Teeth

If you have a knocked-out tooth, the first thing to do is preserve the tooth. Why? Because, in most cases, a permanent tooth can be re-implanted back into its socket if it is done timely. So here’s how to preserve a knocked-out tooth: hold it by its crown (not the root) with a clean cloth and immerse it in a milk jar. Alternatively,   you may place the tooth inside your cheek, so it remains bathed with saliva. Next, book an appointment with your Henderson Emergency Dentist so that they can re-implant it.

2. Uncontrolled Bleeding

Can be a life-threatening situation. If someone suffers from a facial or dental injury that causes bleeding, they should put a clean cloth over the area and apply gentle pressure by biting it. Next, one should call their dentist and book an emergency appointment.

3. Severe Toothache

If a toothache is not being controlled even after taking pain medication, it indicates an underlying infection or something caught between the teeth. First, rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to clean it. Next, use dental floss to remove any object stuck between the teeth. DO NOT put aspirin directly on the tooth or against the site of pain; it can cause tissue burns and inflammation.

4. Cracked Tooth

If you accidentally crack one of your teeth, rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any fragments. Next, apply a cold compress on the affected side of the face to minimize the swelling and decrease the inflammation. In most cases, teeth fractures can be restored if they do not extend down the root. Your dentist will place a suitable restoration over the tooth to fill the gap. Afterward, they may place a crown over the tooth to reinforce it.

5. Dislodged Filling or Crown

If you have a dislodged filling or crown, the first thing to do is preserve the chipped filing or the restoration; your dentist may be able to place the crown or veneer back in its position. To prevent tooth sensitivity, you may also cover the exposed tooth with sugar-free chewing gum. Once you visit your dentist, they will replace the filling with a fresh one. If only the crown is dislodged without tooth damage, your dentist will simply bond it to the tooth using adhesive.

6. Dislodged Orthodontic Brackets or Wire

A dislodged orthodontic wire or bracket can cause a medical emergency if inhaled. Therefore, if you have a broken orthodontic appliance, remove it from the mouth and preserve it. If you have a broken orthodontic wire, it can poke into your cheeks or gums and cause injury. To prevent this, you should cover the exposed sharp edge of the wire with utility wax. If the wax is unavailable, you can simply cover it with sugar-free gum while waiting for your dentist to replace the wire.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies?

Although avoiding dental emergencies altogether is impossible, your Henderson Emergency Dentist can indeed prevent them. For example, if you or your kids are involved in contact sports, you should wear mouthguards to prevent accidental injury to your teeth or other dental structures. Furthermore, one should visit their dentist regularly for checkups so that underlying issues can be diagnosed promptly, reducing the risk of dental emergencies.

If you're looking for a Henderson Emergency Dentist we're here for you. At Densley Dental, we're passionate about caring for our patients. If you're in need of dental care for you or your loved ones, you can book your appointment online or give us a call at (702) 212-6641 to schedule an appointment with our passionate team.