Top 5 Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them - Village Dental of new England

Dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly, causing pain, stress, and uncertainty. Whether it’s a sudden toothache or a knocked-out tooth, knowing how to respond can make a significant difference in preserving your oral health. At Village Dental of New England, we’re here to provide expert emergency dental care when you need it most. In this blog, we’ll cover the five most common dental emergencies and how to handle them before you get to the dentist.

1. Severe Toothache

A severe toothache can be debilitating and often indicates an underlying issue, such as:

• Cavities: Decay reaching the inner pulp of the tooth.
• Abscess: An infection in the root or gums.
• Cracked Tooth: A crack exposing the sensitive inner layers of the tooth.

What to Do:

1. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to reduce swelling and clean the area.
2. Use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort but avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth, as it can irritate the gum tissue.
3. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek if there’s swelling.
4. Contact your dentist immediately for evaluation and treatment.

2. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. Acting quickly can increase the chances of saving the tooth.

What to Do:

1. Handle with Care: Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), avoiding the root to prevent damage.
2. Rinse Gently: If dirty, rinse the tooth with water but don’t scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments.
3. Reinsert the Tooth: If possible, place the tooth back into its socket and gently bite down on a clean cloth or gauze to hold it in place.
4. Keep Moist: If reinserting isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk, saline, or saliva to keep it hydrated.
5. Seek immediate dental care—ideally within 30 minutes—for the best chance of successful reattachment.

3. Broken or Chipped Tooth

A broken or chipped tooth can be caused by biting down on something hard, a sports injury, or an accident.

What to Do:

1. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
2. Collect any tooth fragments, if possible, and store them in milk or saliva.
3. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
4. Use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover sharp edges that may irritate your tongue or cheeks.
5. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to repair the damage with bonding, a crown, or another restorative solution.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

A lost filling or crown can leave the underlying tooth exposed, leading to discomfort and increased sensitivity.

What to Do:

1. Keep the area clean by rinsing your mouth with warm water.
2. Apply dental cement (available at most drugstores) to temporarily cover the exposed area.
3. Avoid chewing on the affected side until the crown or filling is replaced.
4. If you still have the crown, clean it and try to place it back over the tooth using dental cement.
5. Visit your dentist as soon as possible for a permanent repair.

5. Abscessed Tooth

An abscess is a severe infection around the root of a tooth or in the gums. It’s often accompanied by intense pain, swelling, fever, and a foul taste in the mouth. Left untreated, an abscess can lead to serious health complications, as the infection may spread to other parts of the body.

What to Do:

1. Rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution several times a day to reduce swelling and draw out pus.
2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort.
3. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling.
4. Seek emergency dental care immediately to drain the abscess and address the infection.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

It’s essential to contact your dentist right away if you experience any of the following:

• Uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth.
• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with home remedies.
• Signs of infection, such as fever, swelling, or pus.
• A knocked-out tooth or visible damage to your teeth or gums.

Delaying treatment can lead to complications, including permanent tooth loss or the spread of infection.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, you can take steps to reduce your risk of dental emergencies:

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
2. Wear a Mouthguard: Protect your teeth during sports or physical activities.
3. Avoid Hard Foods: Be cautious with hard candies, ice, and other tough foods that can chip or crack your teeth.
4. Address Dental Issues Promptly: Treat cavities, cracks, and other dental problems before they worsen.
5. Schedule Regular Check-Ups: Routine visits to your dentist allow for early detection and prevention of potential issues.

How Village Dental of New England Can Help

At Village Dental, we provide comprehensive emergency dental care to address any urgent issues and restore your oral health. Our team is experienced in handling a wide range of emergencies, from severe toothaches to knocked-out teeth, ensuring prompt and effective treatment.

We offer same-day appointments for dental emergencies, so you don’t have to wait to get the care you need. With state-of-the-art technology and compassionate care, we’re here to make your emergency visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

FAQs About Dental Emergencies

Q: Should I go to the emergency room for a dental issue?
A: While the ER can help manage pain or provide antibiotics, they’re not equipped to handle dental-specific problems. It’s best to contact your dentist for proper care.

Q: Can a knocked-out tooth always be saved?
A: The chances of saving a knocked-out tooth are highest if you see a dentist within 30 minutes. However, success depends on the condition of the tooth and how it’s handled.

Q: What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?
A: Follow the same steps outlined above and contact your dentist immediately. Children’s teeth are more resilient, but prompt care is still essential.

Contact Us for Emergency Dental Care

At Village Dental of New England, we’re dedicated to being there for you when it matters most. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait—contact us immediately for expert care. Our team is here to help you restore your smile and alleviate your pain quickly and effectively.