What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and when they do, it’s important to know what steps to take. Knowing how to respond to a dental emergency can help you reduce pain, prevent further damage to your teeth, and keep your mouth healthy. Read on for an overview of common dental emergencies and tips on how to handle them.

Toothache
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, it could be a sign of something serious such as an infection or abscess. It’s important that you call your dentist right away if you’re dealing with a toothache. In the meantime, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and use dental floss to gently clean around the area where it hurts. You can also try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to reduce discomfort and swelling.

Knocked Out Tooth
If you experience trauma that results in a knocked-out tooth, don’t panic! Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root) and rinse off any dirt or debris with cool water. Try not to touch the root of the tooth if possible. Then place the tooth back into its socket and bite down gently on some gauze or cloth to hold it in place until you get to your dentist. If placing the tooth back isn’t an option, put it into a cup of milk until you can get help from your dentist.

Broken Tooth / Cracked tooth
If you break a piece off of your tooth or chip away part of one, here is what you should do: Rinse your mouth with warm water and use cold compresses against your face if there is swelling around your jaw or face. Gently cover any exposed parts of the broken tooth with dental wax or sugarless gum until you can make an appointment with your dentist. Avoid eating hard foods that could cause further damage while waiting for treatment from your dentist.

Dental emergencies are unpredictable but knowing how to handle them can save you time and hassle—and potentially even save a tooth! If you experience any type of dental emergency, contact our office right away so we can provide prompt treatment and help restore health and comfort in your smile as quickly as possible. Remember that prevention is key when it comes to avoiding dental emergencies—so be sure to brush twice daily, floss once daily, eat healthy foods, avoid sugary drinks, never chew on hard items like ice cubes or popcorn kernels, visit our office in Waxhaw regularly for checkups and cleanings…and always have our number handy just in case!

Not all dental appointments need to be made weeks in advance. At Carrington Square Dental, we have extended hours and Saturday appointments available to make it easier for our patients to receive the dental care they need. If you need oral care today, contact our dental facility in Waxhaw, NC. We offer same-day dentistry for new and existing patients from Wesley Chapel, Weddington, and our neighbors in Waxhaw.