What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any oral health issue that requires immediate attention to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, or prevent permanent damage. Below are some common dental emergencies and the steps to take if they occur.
Severe Toothache
What to Do:
Rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food trapped between the teeth.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
What to Avoid:
Do not place aspirin directly on the gums, as this can burn the tissue.
When to See a Dentist:
If the pain persists or worsens, schedule an emergency dental appointment immediately.
Knocked-Out Tooth
What to Do:
Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root.
If dirty, rinse it gently with water, but do not scrub or remove any tissue.
If possible, place the tooth back into the socket and hold it in place.
If reinsertion is not possible, store the tooth in milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation kit.
When to See a Dentist:
A dentist should be seen within 30 to 60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
What to Do:
Rinse your mouth with warm water.
Save any broken pieces and bring them to the dentist.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
When to See a Dentist:
Immediate dental care is recommended to prevent further damage or infection.
Lost Filling or Crown
What to Do:
If a crown falls off, try to reattach it using dental adhesive or toothpaste.
If a filling is lost, place sugar-free gum or dental cement in the cavity as a temporary fix.
When to See a Dentist:
A dental appointment should be scheduled as soon as possible to restore the tooth.
Abscess or Infection
What to Do:
An abscess is a serious infection that can cause swelling, fever, and severe pain.
Rinse the mouth with warm salt water to help reduce bacteria.
When to See a Dentist:
Immediate dental care is necessary, as untreated infections can spread to other parts of the body.
When to Go to the Emergency Room vs. the Dentist
Go to the Emergency Room if:
There is severe facial swelling affecting breathing or swallowing.
Uncontrolled bleeding does not stop.
A broken jaw or significant trauma to the face has occurred.
Go to the Dentist for:
Toothaches, abscesses, and infections.
Knocked-out, chipped, or broken teeth.
Lost fillings, crowns, or other dental restorations.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Wear a mouthguard during sports or physical activities.
Avoid chewing on hard foods, ice, or non-food items such as pens or nails.
Practice good oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Visit Sun Dental Lethbridge regularly for checkups and early detection of dental issues.
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but knowing how to respond can help prevent permanent damage and relieve pain. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, Sun Dental Lethbridge is here to help. Contact our office for urgent care and expert treatment.