When dental problems come with severe pain, you want treatment as soon as possible. Emergency dental care can prevent worse problems, repair time-sensitive damage, and help you feel your best again. Insight Dental provides emergency services so you can get dental treatment fast without sacrificing the quality of care.
What to Do If You Have a Dental Emergency
- Avulsed tooth: If you have a tooth knocked out, it’s imperative that you see a dentist immediately. If the tooth is replaced within an hour, the tissues may reconnect to support the tooth again. If reattachment isn’t possible, root canal therapy may be necessary. Rise the tooth under warm water, taking care not to touch the root. Place it back in the socket or hold it in the pouch of your cheek until you can see a dentist.
- Lost crown or filling: A crown or filling may become loose due to tooth decay. If you lose a crown or filling, store it in a cool place and call a dentist for emergency care. Try not to eat or drink anything, as the tooth will be extremely sensitive to temperature and pressure.
- Cracked or broken teeth: Damaged teeth may cause varying degrees of pain depending on whether the damage extends to the root. Cracks and breaks may be caused by grinding, biting, or tooth trauma. Painless chips do not require dental care, but if the tooth fractures, emergency care will be necessary. Rinse the mouth with warm water, stop any bleeding with gauze, and use a topical pain reliever. Make a dental appointment as soon as possible.
- Loose teeth: It’s often possible to save a loose tooth without root canal therapy. Make a dental appointment and, if necessary, use a cold compress or topical pain reliever to minimize pain. The dentist will stabilize the tooth and advise you on follow-up treatment.
- Tooth and jaw aches: There are a variety of causes to tooth and jaw pain. Take topical pain relievers as needed and see your dentist ASAP. Your care team will get to the root of the problem to offer fast pain relief.
- Sore gums: Sore gums may be a sign of something as benign as abrasive brushing or malignant as gum disease. See your dentist promptly for fast pain relief and a professional diagnosis of your symptoms.
If your emergency includes non-dental injuries or pain in areas other than the mouth, call 911 immediately.