Emergency Dentistry

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation involving your teeth, gums, or mouth requiring immediate attention to alleviate severe pain, stop bleeding, save a tooth, or prevent long-term issues.

Common types of dental emergencies include:

1. Toothache: Severe, persistent pain indicating an infection or other problems.
2. Chipped or Broken Teeth: Damage that can lead to severe pain or infection.
3. Knocked-Out Tooth: Immediate care can sometimes save and reattach the tooth.
4. Abscess: A severe infection at the root of a tooth or between the gums and teeth, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
5. Bleeding Gums: While some bleeding is normal, excessive or unexplained bleeding could indicate a more serious condition.
6. Swelling in the Mouth or Facial Area: Swelling can indicate an infection or other emergency.
7. Injury to the Jaw: This can lead to serious complications if not addressed quickly.
8. Severe Lacerations to the Mouth Area: Cuts inside the mouth or on the lips that won’t stop bleeding.

Call us today for an appointment if you experience any of these conditions or other sudden dental issues.

What is not a dental emergency?

Not every dental issue qualifies as an emergency that requires immediate treatment. While some conditions may cause discomfort or concern, they can usually wait for a regular appointment. These non-emergency situations include:

1. Minor Toothache: If the pain is not severe and there’s no sign of an abscess, such as swelling or fever, it might not be an emergency.
2. Small Chips or Cracks in Teeth: Minor damage without pain, sharp edges, or significant structural harm to the tooth can often wait for a dental visit.
3. Lost Filling, Crown, or Bridge: If there’s no pain, we may recommend waiting until a regular checkup can be scheduled, though this can vary based on the situation.
4. Mild Sensitivity: Teeth that are slightly sensitive to hot or cold but without severe pain, do not require emergency treatment.
5. Food Stuck Between Teeth: While uncomfortable, this situation can often be resolved at home with dental floss and does not need urgent dental care.
6. Bleeding Gums from Brushing or Flossing: Mild bleeding from routine oral hygiene practices is not an emergency but should be mentioned to your dentist during your next visit, as it can indicate gingivitis or other gum issues.
7. Dull Toothache: A toothache that is manageable and does not exhibit symptoms of an abscess might not require immediate attention.

Contact us if you’re unsure whether your situation is an emergency. We can advise you on whether immediate action is needed or if it’s safe to wait for an appointment.

What’s the best way to handle a dental emergency?

The best thing to do in a dental emergency is to contact your dentist, unless it is extremely severe then you should go to the emergency room.

Depending on the dental emergency you are experiencing, there may be some things you can do at home to ease your pain and help the situation. Some efforts include:

• Dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a mug of warm water and use it as mouthwash
• If your tooth is knocked out, place it in a glass of milk until you can see your dentist
• Try flossing to eliminate any gum pressure
• Use a cold compress on the swelling or painful area
• Swish with Hydrogen Peroxide to kill bacteria
• Take over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate pain