Emergency Dental
Services
Emergency Dental at Deer Ridge Dental
Emergency dentistry refers to the immediate care and treatment of dental issues that require urgent attention. Dental emergencies can range from severe pain to trauma or injury and addressing them quickly is essential to prevent further complications, alleviate pain, and save teeth.
- Severe Tooth Pain
- Cause: Tooth pain, especially if it’s sudden and severe, is often a sign of a deep cavity, abscess (infection), or a cracked tooth.
- Treatment: If you experience sharp, constant tooth pain, it’s essential to see a dentist immediately to diagnose and treat the underlying issue. Treatment may involve filling cavities, performing a root canal, or draining an abscess.
- At-Home Relief: You can use over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen), apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek, and avoid chewing on the affected side to help ease discomfort temporarily.
- Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
- Cause: Accidents or trauma, such as a sports injury or fall, can result in a tooth being knocked out. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, it’s critical to act quickly.
- Treatment: If a tooth is knocked out, it’s important to see a dentist within 30 minutes to increase the chances of saving the tooth.
- How to Handle the Tooth: Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root) and rinse it gently with water (if dirty), but don’t scrub it. If possible, place the tooth back into its socket or keep it moist by storing it in a glass of milk or saline solution. Do not store it in water as it can damage the root.
- Follow-Up: If the tooth can’t be replanted, a dentist may try to reattach it with a procedure or recommend a dental implant or bridge.
- Cracked or Chipped Teeth
- Cause: Teeth can crack or chip due to accidents, biting down on hard objects, or decay weakening the tooth.
- Treatment: A dentist will evaluate the extent of the damage. Small chips may only need polishing, while larger cracks may require a filling, bonding, or crown to restore the tooth. If the crack extends into the pulp, a root canal may be necessary.
- At-Home Relief: If there’s a sharp or rough edge, you can cover the affected area with dental wax or sugar-free gum until you see a dentist.
- Loose or Dislodged Tooth
- Cause: An injury or trauma can cause a tooth to become loose or dislodged, especially if there is damage to the supporting ligaments or bone.
- Treatment: If a permanent tooth is loose, immediate dental attention is necessary. Your dentist will try to reposition the tooth and may use a splint to hold it in place while it heals. If there is significant damage, a root canal or extraction may be required.
- At-Home Care: Avoid touching or moving the tooth. If the tooth is only slightly loose, try to avoid chewing on that side and use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Abscess (Dental Infection)
- Cause: An abscess is a bacterial infection that forms at the root of a tooth or in the gum tissue. This often occurs due to untreated tooth decay, injury, or gum disease.
- Symptoms: Symptoms include intense tooth pain, swelling, redness, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth due to drainage.
- Treatment: A dentist will likely need to drain the abscess, perform a root canal to remove the infected tissue, or possibly extract the affected tooth if it cannot be saved.
- At-Home Relief: You can take over-the-counter pain relievers and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling until you can see a dentist. It’s important to avoid attempting to drain the abscess on your own.
- Broken or Lost Fillings or Crowns
- Cause: Fillings and crowns can break or become loose due to wear and tear, trauma, or decay under the restoration.
- Treatment: A dentist can repair or replace the filling or crown, depending on the severity of the damage. If you’ve lost a filling or crown, you may be instructed to come in for a temporary replacement until a permanent one is made.
- At-Home Care: If a filling or crown has fallen out, avoid chewing on that side and try using over-the-counter dental cement (available at most drugstores) to temporarily secure the crown or filling until you see the dentist.
- Severe Gum Bleeding or Swelling
- Cause: Gum bleeding or swelling can be a sign of an infection, gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), or trauma to the gums.
- Treatment: A dentist will evaluate the cause of the bleeding or swelling. If it’s due to gum disease, deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) may be necessary. If there’s an infection, antibiotics or drainage may be required.
- At-Home Care: Use a saltwater rinse to help reduce swelling and soothe irritated gums. Avoid smoking and maintain good oral hygiene to prevent further irritation.
- Soft Tissue Injuries (Lacerations to the Lips, Cheeks, Gums, or Tongue)
- Cause: Accidents or trauma to the mouth can cause cuts or tears to the soft tissues of the lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue.
- Treatment: Minor cuts can be cleaned and treated at home with a saltwater rinse and cold compress to reduce swelling. For more severe cuts, a dentist may need to suture the wound to promote healing.
- At-Home Care: Apply gauze or a clean cloth to stop any bleeding, and rinse your mouth gently with warm saltwater to clean the wound.
- Lost or Broken Retainers or Braces
- Cause: Braces or retainers can break or come loose due to trauma, eating hard foods, or not following orthodontic instructions.
- Treatment: If you break your retainer or braces, it’s important to contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. The orthodontist will repair or replace the broken part of your appliance and adjust it as needed to ensure your treatment continues smoothly.
- At-Home Care: In the meantime, if the broken appliance is causing discomfort or poking the inside of your mouth, cover the sharp part with orthodontic wax or a small piece of cotton to avoid irritation.
What to do in a Dental Emergency
Stay Calm
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but staying calm is important for managing the situation and seeking care as quickly as possible.
Control Bleeding
For injuries or after tooth extractions, apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth to control bleeding.
Preserve the Tooth
If a tooth is knocked out, follow the instructions for preservation (keeping it moist in milk or saline, or gently placing it back in the socket) to increase the chances of saving it.
Pain Management
Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, apply cold compresses to reduce swelling, and avoid touching the affected area with your fingers or tongue.
Contact Your Dentist
Call your dentist or an emergency dental clinic immediately. Many dental offices offer after-hours or emergency services, and they can provide guidance on how to manage your situation until you can get to their office.
Avoid Home Remedies
Don’t attempt to fix the problem yourself by using superglue, heating tools, or sharp objects to try to set a tooth back in place. These methods can make things worse.
Wear a Mouthguard
If you play sports or engage in activities that could cause dental trauma, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
Maintain Regular Dental Check-ups
Routine visits to the dentist can help catch problems early and prevent emergencies.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and avoiding excessive sugar intake can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other issues that may lead to dental emergencies.
Be Cautious With Hard Foods
: Avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, or other hard objects that could damage your teeth.
Avoid Using Teeth as Tools
Never use your teeth to open packages, bottles, or cut tape, as this can cause them to crack or break.