Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can be serious and require prompt attention. Here are some common types of dental emergencies and how to handle them:

Toothache

Rinse your mouth with warm water. Use dental floss to remove any lodged food. If there's swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek. Avoid aspirin or other painkillers directly on the gums, as they can burn the gum tissue.

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Chipped or broken tooth

Save any pieces. Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there’s bleeding, apply gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth, cheek, or lip near the broken/chipped tooth to keep any swelling down and relieve pain.

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Knocked-out tooth

Retrieve the tooth, hold it by the crown (the part that’s usually exposed in the mouth), and rinse off the tooth root with water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, try to put the tooth back in place. If that’s not possible, put it in a small container of milk or a cup of water with a pinch of table salt. See your dentist immediately.

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Lost filling or crown

Stick a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity (sugar-filled gum will cause pain) or use over-the-counter dental cement. If a crown falls off, try to see your dentist immediately and bring the crown with you. If that’s not possible, apply a little clove oil with a cotton swab to the sensitive area. Try to slip the crown back over the tooth, using dental cement, denture adhesive, or toothpaste to hold it in place.

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Broken braces and wires

If a wire breaks or sticks out of a bracket or band and is poking your cheek, tongue, or gum, try using the eraser end of a pencil to push the wire into a more comfortable position. If that’s not possible, cover the end of the wire with orthodontic wax, a small cotton ball, or a piece of gauze until you can get to your orthodontist. Never cut the wire, as you might end up swallowing it.

Abscess

This is a serious infection that occurs around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. It's a serious condition that can damage tissue and surrounding teeth, with the infection possibly spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated. Rinse your mouth with mild salt water several times a day to reduce pain and draw the pus to the surface. See your dentist as soon as possible.

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Soft-tissue injuries

For injuries to the tongue, cheeks, gums, and lips that involve tears, cuts, or puncture wounds, clean the area immediately with warm water. Apply pressure to stop any bleeding and a cold compress to relieve pain and swelling. If bleeding doesn’t stop, go to a hospital emergency room immediately.

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, it's crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible. Please call us as soon as possible.