Dental emergencies can occur even with the best at-home dental routines and regular visits. Quick action is needed when you experience sudden tooth pain, filling comes out, or your tooth cracks. Emergency dental care offers emergency treatment for these urgent needs to relieve pain and prevent further problems. Ignoring a dental emergency can result in infection or damage to nearby teeth, so it is necessary to seek prompt, professional care to protect your oral health.
The Hawthorne Dentist is ready to help when you have an urgent dental issue. We provide immediate care to relieve pain and restore your smile. Do not allow a dental emergency to compromise your health and well-being. Contact us for fast and professional help.
Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them
Dental emergencies must be treated right away because of the serious consequences you could suffer if you are not treated immediately. Postponing care can cause more pain, more complicated problems, and permanent damage when unexpected pain, a fractured tooth, or a sudden infection occurs. Quickly resolving these issues, stabilizing your dental health, and preventing escalation requires swift, professional treatment. Not only does it help to alleviate pain, but it also helps to preserve the structure and health of your teeth and gums.
Some of the common dental emergencies include the following:
- Toothache
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Biting your tongue, cheek, or lip
- Knocked-out teeth
- Lost fillings or crowns
- Broken braces or wires
- Abscesses
- Broken jaw
- Object stuck between teeth
Let us look at each of them in detail.
- Toothache
If you have a toothache, it can interfere with your routine. When you experience toothache, you typically use over-the-counter pain relievers or home remedies for instant relief. Most people will try placing aspirin on the aching tooth. This might seem like an effective solution. However, it can injure your gums, causing irritation and chemical burns.
Temporary measures like these might give you some pain relief, but they do not address the root of the problem. A persistent toothache could indicate a deeper issue, like decay, infection, or an abscess. You thus need professional care to avoid complicating the situation.
Ignoring the signs or taking short-term fixes can lead to minor discomfort, which can escalate into significant oral health problems. In some cases, untreated infections can spread to nearby tissues, like surrounding teeth or even other parts of the body.
Similarly, nerve problems with teeth may cause persistent pain, heightened sensitivity, or even tooth loss if not treated. Prompt care helps the dentist identify and treat the actual cause of your pain and sometimes stops the need for further or more invasive treatment.
- Chipped or Broken Teeth
Accidents, sports injuries, and biting down on something hard can chip or break your teeth. That sharp, intense pain often leads to action that must be taken immediately to help with discomfort and prevent further damage.
Begin by rinsing your mouth with warm water to wash the area and prevent infection. If there is bleeding, gently apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to avoid bleeding and protect the surrounding soft tissue. If you see any tooth fragments, rinse them with water and store them in milk or a saline solution to stay viable if your dentist can reattach them. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed, and avoid putting aspirin directly on your gums, as it can be irritating.
Once you have taken these initial steps, schedule an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible. This enables your dentist to perform a prompt evaluation of the damage and to recommend the most appropriate treatment, such as:
- Bonding
- A crown, or
- Some other procedure
Until your appointment, avoid very hot, cold, or hard foods and drinks, which can exacerbate the injury and make you more sensitive.
- Knocked-Out Teeth
A knocked-out tooth can be very alarming and painful. Most knocked-out teeth are caused by contact sports, accidents, or physical altercations. However, with one quick and careful move, you can save the tooth and prevent long-term damage.
When one of your teeth is knocked out, start by dealing with the tooth gently. Take hold of it with your hands on the crown. This is the part above the gum line. Do not touch the root to avoid the risk of causing further damage. Rinse the tooth gently with milk or clean water, being careful not to scrub it or remove any tissue needed to reimplant.
If possible, insert the tooth back into its original socket, ensuring it aligns correctly. However, if reinsertion cannot be done, keep the tooth moist by putting it in milk, saline, or your saliva. It preserves the tooth’s chance of survival until you can get to a dentist.
Time is of the essence. How quickly you can get to a dentist often determines whether the tooth will be successfully reinstalled. The dentist may try reinserting the tooth if it is in good enough condition. If reimplantation is successful, the dentist may recommend a root canal to prevent infection and restore the nerve and tissue of the tooth. Unless reimplantation is possible, the dentist may consider crowns, bridges, or implants to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
- Cut or Bitten Lip, Tongue, Cheek or Lip
Biting or cutting your lip, cheek, or tongue is painful. It can occur while eating, in accidents, or during physical activity. Although it is a painful experience, it usually heals gradually. You can perform some at-home remedies before seeking help from a dentist. You should start by rinsing the area with warm water to help clean the affected area and prevent infection.
Avoid using complex chemicals or alcohol-based solutions that will irritate the wound. However, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze if you bleed. In most cases, holding pressure for several minutes will stop the bleeding.
Use a cold compress outside your mouth to reduce swelling and pain. This cold constricts blood vessels, reduces swelling, and numbs the area. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve the pain. However, only follow recommended dosages and check for any contraindications with other medications.
It is also important to stay hydrated during this time. Drinking water will help clean your mouth and help in the healing process. It can also relieve irritation caused by food particles that can enter the wound.
When recovering, eat soft foods that will not aggravate the injury. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that may be uncomfortable or delay healing. For soothing options, try soups, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.
However, if you have excessive bleeding that does not stop with pressure, constant pain, or problems swallowing or speaking, you should see a dentist. These symptoms also indicate injuries deeper in the tissues, such as teeth or bones, requiring prompt attention.
- Broken Jaw
If your jaw is fractured, prompt medical attention is vital to avoid complications and aid in recovery. Trauma from car accidents, sports injuries, falls, or other physical altercations are common causes of jaw fractures. Broken jaws have immediate and very severe symptoms, including pain, swelling, decreased jaw movement, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing. You need to seek emergency treatment as soon as possible, as the symptoms tend to get worse, and complications are more likely when you fail to receive treatment.
Treatment involves accurate realignment, sometimes with surgical stabilization or jaw wiring, depending on the severity of your injury. Early intervention helps control the pain and swelling and lowers the chance of developing problems like misalignment. A misaligned jaw can lead to problems with speech, chewing, and overall facial structure. Fractured jaws pose an infection risk since oral tissues could be compromised. Prompt care helps prevent infections that could complicate healing or cause further damage to the mouth’s bone and tissue.
After the initial treatment, your dentists will structure a rehabilitation process to restore speaking, eating, and jaw movement functions. Failing to act promptly will prolong your recovery time and increase the chance of chronic pain. It could also cause permanent alignment issues impacting your daily life and general well-being.
- Broken Braces or Wires
The orthodontic braces and wires are designed to withstand the forces these teeth need to move them in place. Dentists will schedule regular checkups to ensure the braces and wires are doing their job and will make adjustments where necessary. However, unexpected breakages can happen for many reasons, like eating hard foods or an accidental impact, for which there is an immediate need for attention. If braces or wires break, it is not just your treatment that gets disrupted. It can be excruciating or hurt your mouth’s soft tissues.
A broken bracket or protruding wire can irritate or cut your cheeks, gums, and tongue, making simple things like eating or speaking painful. Orthodontic wax can help cover sharp edges, but this is only a short-term fix. When you leave loose brackets or misplaced wires unresolved, you delay treatment progress. Loose brackets or misplaced wires can alter the direction and pressure on your teeth.
If you notice broken wires or braces, contact your orthodontist immediately. Doing so helps ensure that your treatment runs smoothly, that there is little or no discomfort, and that there are no potential complications. Professional attention immediately stops the broken braces or wires from interfering with your treatment plan and makes your orthodontic journey as efficient and smooth as possible.
- Lost Fillings or Crowns
Emergency dentistry also offers treatment if you lose a crown or filling so that you avoid complications. The first sign you may notice is a gap or rough patch on the affected tooth. You could feel the absence of the crown or filling when using the tongue or brushing your teeth. Sometimes, dull or sharp pain will be around the exposed area, especially while eating or drinking. For example, you might be sensitive to temperature changes, like hot or cold foods, which means the exposed tooth is vulnerable.
If the crown or filling falls out, the tooth underneath is at risk of further damage. Bacteria seep into the tooth, causing an infection or decay. This is because your teeth would be unprotected from the filling or crown. Under pressure from chewing or biting down, the exposed tooth may also become fractured or cracked. These issues can progress quickly, and what might have been considered a minor problem can quickly develop into a more serious dental emergency. If left untreated, this can even result in tooth loss.
If you think you have lost a crown or filling, contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible. A dentist will examine the situation and see if the crown or filling can be reattached or if a new one needs to be put in. They could offer temporary solutions to protect your tooth until a permanent one is available. Prompt action helps maintain your tooth’s health and prevents more expensive and invasive procedures.
- Abscess
An abscess is a serious dental condition requiring immediate attention. It is an infection of the tissues surrounding a tooth. It is a painful condition that develops when bacteria invade the tooth. Untreated, it can lead to severe complications, including the spread of the infection to the rest of the body.
Some of the notable signs that could indicate an abscess include:
- Intense pain — Sharp, throbbing pain in the area of the tooth is a primary symptom of an abscess. It could worsen when you chew, apply pressure, or touch the affected tooth. This pain could spread to nearby areas, like your jaw, neck, or ear. As the infection spreads, the discomfort becomes more and more unpleasant.
- Swelling — The affected tooth will be swollen, and this is noticeable. Inflamed gum and surrounding facial tissues may be tender to the touch. However, if you have this swelling, you might have trouble opening your mouth fully or chewing comfortably.
- Redness and warmth — The infected area may look red and feel warm. That is because your body works hard to fight off the infection and increase blood flow. Red and warm are signs of inflammation and mean the body is trying to fight the bacteria.
- Bad taste or odor — If the abscess bursts, you may taste foul or have an unpleasant smell in your mouth. The body is trying to fight the infection by releasing thick pus. While this will temporarily ease some pain, you should see a dentist immediately to ensure the infection does not spread.
- Fever and fatigue — If the infection spreads, you could develop a fever or a general feeling of being ill. These symptoms mean that the infection may be more severe and needs attention from a medical professional to prevent it from affecting other parts of your body.
- Pus or discharge — If an abscess ruptures, pus or fluid may drain. Although this could be a relief, it does not mean you should rule out seeking professional treatment. Dentists will drain the abscess fully, treat the infection, and possibly perform root canals or other procedures to prevent the infection from recurring.
If you have any of these symptoms, contact a dentist immediately. If the tooth infection is not treated, it can worsen and become more infected, or the tooth may fall out.
- Objects Stuck Between Teeth
If an object gets stuck between your teeth, it can cause you much pain and should be taken care of immediately. Dental emergencies like this one do not happen very often. However, when they do, they need immediate attention to avoid more damage. You should respond quickly, whether food, a splinter, or an everyday object.
Children, in particular, are more prone to these incidents, as they get curious and put whatever they find in their mouths. Their baby teeth and wider gaps may mean the small items can get trapped behind the more prominent teeth, causing pain and distress.
You should look out for a few signs that signal that an object is probably stuck in your child’s or your teeth. These include:
- Visible object — In some cases, the foreign object may be visible. If you can spot it, you will have a better idea of how to proceed with removal.
- Pain or sensitivity — The most common symptom is pain in the area affected by possible sensitivity with chewing, drinking, or speaking. The object can have tremendous pressure on your gums that you cannot ignore.
- Swollen or red gums — This foreign object irritates the surrounding gum tissue, and you may see the area swell, change color, or have tenderness. This may be the body’s way of reacting to the pain.
There are some immediate steps you can take if an object gets stuck in between your teeth, namely:
- Floss gently — Use dental floss gently to attempt to dislodge the object. Do not be too rough. That could damage the gums or teeth.
- Rinse with warm water — Rinsing with warm, salty water can provide some relief and help loosen smaller debris.
- Avoid sharp objects — Avoid using sharp tools like needles or knives, as they can injure your gums and mouth. These objects can easily cut, become infected, or do more harm.
- Seek professional care — If home methods are unsuccessful or you find the discomfort too much, do not hesitate to contact an emergency dentist. They have the tools and know how to remove an object without doing more harm.
How Can I Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies?
While dental emergencies often catch you off guard, you can be prepared for them and have the issues resolved immediately. In case you are faced with a dental emergency, the following are issues that can help you stay prepared:
- Stay on top of regular dental visits — Catching potential problems early on can happen at routine checkups before they escalate into emergencies. Dentists offer preventive guidance to help you keep your oral health strong and reduce the risk of accidents or infections.
- Find an emergency dentist nearby — Add the contact information of a nearby emergency dental clinic to your phone. If you are in pain or injured suddenly, you want quick access to an emergency dentist.
- Familiarize yourself with basic first aid for dental issues — Learn how to cope with everyday dental emergencies, including broken teeth, lost fillings, or severe pain. A first aid kit stocked with dental wax, pain relievers, and a cold compress can help ease the pain until you reach a professional.
- Use protective gear when necessary — If you or your children play sports or do other physical activities, a mouthguard will protect your teeth and gums from injury. Protective gear is worth investing in because it drastically decreases your chances of needing emergency treatment.
- Know your insurance coverage for emergencies — Knowing about your dental insurance benefits can ease the burden of money during an emergency. Check your policy to see if urgent care or after-hours services are covered so you do not have to figure out your way around unexpected costs during a crucial time.
- Follow strong oral hygiene practices — Brushing, flossing, and using fluoride mouthwash daily can help prevent decay, gum infections, and other problems that could create emergencies. Prevention is the best approach. Preventive measures will significantly reduce your chances of having sudden dental issues.
Find an Emergency Dentist Near Me
Having a dentist dedicated to all your dental needs, including emergencies, can be an enormous time and hustle saver. A dental emergency can happen anytime, and every second matters. Having a dentist who knows your dental history can help speed up care. With this established relationship, the dentist can immediately provide the most appropriate treatment based on past knowledge of your particular needs and fast, effective relief.
A trusted dental provider also gives you peace of mind, knowing that if a dental issue arose, you would have a professional on hand waiting to act with urgency and personalized care. Reach out to The Hawthorne Dentist today for a complete approach to routine and emergency dental care. Having a long-term relationship with a good team gives you the confidence to face any dental challenge because you know you are in good hands. We provide this. Contact us at 310-775-2557.
