Dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly, and it’s crucial to know how to respond when they do. Whether you’re playing sports, eating, or just having a bad fall, tooth injuries can be serious and need quick care from a dentist. Knowing how to handle these situations can help prevent further damage and save your teeth.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency occurs when a tooth or part of your mouth is injured, and needs immediate care from a professional dentist. This could involve:
- A broken or chipped tooth
- A knocked-out tooth
- Tooth pain or swelling
- Injuries to your gums or lips
Knowing the right steps to take in these situations can protect your teeth and help avoid more complicated issues later on.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency?
If you experience any kind of tooth injury, it’s important to stay calm and act quickly. Here are some steps you can follow for common tooth injuries:
1. Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most common dental emergencies. If you or someone else has a tooth knocked out, here’s what to do:
- Find the tooth: To start, hold the tooth by its crown, which is the portion that shows when you smile, rather than its root.
- Rinse gently: Rinse the tooth gently with water, but don’t scrub it. You can also rinse your mouth if it’s bleeding.
- Reposition the tooth (if possible): If the tooth is an adult tooth and you can do so safely, try placing it back into the socket. Gently press down with a clean cloth or gauze to keep it in position.
- Keep the tooth moist: If you can’t put the tooth back, place it in a container with milk or in your mouth between your cheek and gums. If neither is available, use water.
- Visit a dentist quickly: Time is very important! Try to visit an emergency dentist near you within 30 minutes to one hour for the highest chance of saving the tooth.
2. Broken or Chipped Tooth
If your tooth is broken or chipped, follow these steps to reduce pain and damage:
- Clean the mouth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris.
- Control bleeding: If the injury is bleeding, gently bite down on a clean piece of cloth or gauze to stop it.
- Use a cold compress: If you experience swelling or pain, place a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. This can help ease the swelling and numb the discomfort (pain).
- See a dentist: Even if the chip seems small, it’s still important to visit your dentist. They can help smooth the tooth or repair it with a filling or crown if needed.
3. Toothache
Tooth pain can happen for many reasons, such as cavities, gum disease, injury and more. Here’s what you can do:
- Rinse your mouth: Use warm water to rinse your mouth and remove any food stuck between your teeth.
- Floss gently: If you feel something stuck in your teeth, floss gently to try and remove it. Be careful not to hurt your gums more.
- Cold compress: If you experience swelling, place a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to help reduce it.
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce pain until you can see a dentist. However, avoid putting aspirin directly on your gums, as this can cause burns.
- Visit a dentist: A toothache usually means there’s an underlying problem. You should visit a dental clinic near you to find out what’s causing the pain and how to treat it.
4. Injury to Gums or Lips
Injuries to your gums or lips can happen if you fall or are hit in the face. Here’s what you can do:
- Clean the area (wound): Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any dirt. If there’s bleeding, press a clean cloth or gauze against the area to stop it.
- Cold compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to help minimize swelling and numb the pain.
- See your dentist: If the cut is deep or the bleeding continues after applying pressure for 15 minutes, it’s important to see your dentist. They might need to stitch the wound to ensure it heals correctly.
How to Prevent Tooth Injuries?
While accidents can happen, there are some ways to reduce the risk of tooth injuries:
- Wear mouthguards: If you play sports, especially contact sports like football or basketball, always wear a mouthguard. This will help protect your teeth from being knocked out or damaged.
- Avoid chewing hard objects: Don’t chew on hard objects like ice, pens, popcorn kernels and more. These can break or chip your teeth.
- Keep your teeth clean: Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth problems that might lead to injury or pain.
- Use proper safety gear: If you’re riding a bike or skateboard, always wear a helmet and other protective gear to avoid head and mouth injuries.
When to Call Your Dentist?
It’s always recommended to call your emergency dentist in South Edmonton after a dental injury. Even if the injury doesn’t seem serious, your dentist can assess the damage and decide whether any dental treatment is required.
Signs that you need to see your dentist immediately:
- Severe tooth pain
- A knocked-out tooth
- Swelling that won’t go down
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- A broken tooth causing sharp edges or discomfort
Tooth injuries can be scary, but knowing how to handle them will help keep you calm and reduce damage. Always remember to act quickly and get professional dental care as soon as possible. If you’re in need of emergency tooth extraction near you, don’t hesitate to contact a dentist right away.
Get Effective Treatment For Dental Emergencies At Landmark Dental!
At Landmark Dental, we focus on making your dental visits as comfortable as possible. Our caring team dentist in South Edmonton offers comprehensive care from routine check-ups to emergency care, all in a friendly, relaxed environment. We’re here to keep your smile healthy and bright. Book your dental appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier smile!