Emergency Dentistry

What is a dental emergency?

Various dental emergencies can occur, such as a sudden and severe toothache, an accident that chips or cracks a tooth, a damaged or loose restoration, or a lost or damaged tooth.

According to studies, around 22% of individuals have experienced dental or oral pain within the last six months.

To determine whether your situation is an emergency, ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you experiencing severe pain or swelling?
• Do you have a toothache causing significant discomfort and doesn’t seem to be subsiding?
• Have you lost a tooth or is it loose?
• Do you have swelling in your cheeks or face, accompanied by a toothache?
• Are you experiencing extreme tooth sensitivity?
• Is your mouth bleeding, and the bleeding doesn’t seem to stop?
• Has your jaw been injured?

Any dental problem that requires immediate treatment to stop bleeding, alleviate severe pain, or save a tooth is considered a dental emergency. This also applies to severe infections that can be life-threatening and require contacting our dental office right away.

What is not a dental emergency?

If you are experiencing a dental issue that is not causing pain or trauma, it is likely not an emergency, and you can wait a few days before seeing your dentist.

For example, if you have chipped or cracked a tooth that is not painful or causing any trauma inside your mouth, you can wait a few days before scheduling an appointment. Similarly, if you have lost a tooth or filling, you can typically wait a few days before seeing your dentist.

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

In the event of a dental emergency, it is recommended to contact your dentist as the first option. However, if the situation is exceptionally severe, it is best to visit the emergency room immediately.

In some cases, you may be able to alleviate some of the pain and discomfort caused by the emergency. 

How to relieve tooth pain:

• Mix a teaspoon of salt into a mug of warm water and use it as a mouthwash.
• Floss your teeth to relieve gum pressure.
• Apply a cold compress to the affected area to help alleviate pain and swelling.
• Rinse with diluted Hydrogen Peroxide to help kill bacteria.
• Use an over-the-counter pain medication to help alleviate pain.

If a tooth has been knocked out, place it in a glass of milk until you can see your dentist.