Dental Emergencies

Dental Emergencies: What to Do Next

Posted February 9, 2022 3 min read

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Do you know what to do if a dental emergency happens? Whether you have a toothache or your child receives an injury to their mouth on the sports field, it’s important to talk to an emergency dentist without delay.

Not all dental issues are emergencies. But there are many situations that merit immediate treatment. When you seek prompt dental services, it helps to reduce the long-term consequences. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency?

When you are in pain, then it might feel like an emergency situation. Depending on the severity of your pain, you might need fast treatment so the toothache doesn’t disrupt the rest of your life.

Usually, a toothache is one of the initial signs that you might have a bigger issue happening. If the problem is left untreated, then it might lead to more complications in the future. For example, a toothache could be an indication of a cavity that needs to be removed and filled. If you ignore the pain, then the infection can spread deeper into the tooth, resulting in the need for a root canal or tooth extraction.

Examples of Common Dental Emergencies

Here are some of the situations when you should contact an emergency dentist to learn more about immediate services and treatment options.

Toothache
Broken tooth
Broken filling
Broken crown
Broken bridge or dentures
Tooth abscess
Injury to the gums
Chipped tooth
A tooth is knocked out

Whenever you have dental pain, experience trauma or injury to your mouth, or something feels wrong, then it’s best to meet with a dentist as soon as possible.

How Serious is Your Dental Emergency?

Just because you are having a dental problem, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need emergency care. For example, a chipped tooth can wait for a few days before it’s fixed, as long as it isn’t causing too much pain or discomfort.

On the other hand, if a tooth is knocked out, then you have a short window of time when the tooth can be saved. Delaying the appointment reduces your options for restoring the injured tooth.

What To Do About a Dental Emergency?

The best thing you can do is call our team at myDental to discuss your individual situation. We will consult with you over the phone, provide immediate first aid recommendations, and coordinate a time to meet in our office for treatment.

For example, if you have a tooth that is knocked out, then our staff will instruct that you pick up the tooth by the crown, taking care to not touch the root. Gently wash the tooth in water, then store the tooth in a cup of milk or water and bring it to the appointment. Also, it’s smart to keep gentle pressure with gauze on the injured area to manage the bleeding.

Contact Our Dental Team Without Delay

Our team provides fast service for dental emergencies. If you or a loved one has a toothache or injury, then call us as soon as possible.

myDental offers several convenient locations so you can visit a dentist near your home. Call to learn more about general services, cosmetic treatments, and emergency services. We are here to help!

Frequently Asked Questions

A dental emergency includes a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth with pain, severe toothache, uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth, or an abscess with swelling. These situations need prompt professional attention to prevent further damage or infection. Cosmetic chips without pain can usually wait for a regular appointment.

Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root, and gently rinse it without scrubbing. Try to place it back in the socket or store it in milk or saliva to keep it moist. Getting to a dentist within 30 minutes gives the best chance of saving the tooth.

An emergency dentist is the best choice for most dental issues because ERs typically lack dental equipment and specialists. However, go to the ER for uncontrollable bleeding, a broken jaw, or facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing. The ER can manage pain and infection until dental treatment is available.

Emergency dental visits typically range from $100 to $300 for the exam and initial treatment, with additional costs depending on the procedure needed. Many dental insurance plans cover emergency visits similarly to regular visits. Payment plans and financing options are often available for unexpected dental expenses.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can reduce pain and swelling while waiting for an appointment. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek for 15 to 20 minutes can also help. Rinsing with warm salt water may ease discomfort and keep the area clean until professional treatment is available.