Which Dental Emergencies Require a Dental Visit?
Accidents happen. You get injured participating in sports. You bite down on something hard and crack your tooth. Or you just wake up with tooth pain. Some situations require immediate attention from your dentist. And other issues may be resolved on your own with minor care. Let’s look at some dental emergencies and how you should handle them.
Lost or Knocked-Out Tooth
A permanent or adult tooth that’s fallen out requires immediate dental attention. The most important thing to do is to keep the tooth moist at all times—and avoid touching the root. If the tooth is slightly dislodged, move it into place without handling the root. If the tooth is completely dislodged, follow the directions below. Then see your dentist immediately. Your tooth has the highest chance of being saved if you get to a dentist within one hour of the accident.
- Handle the tooth at the crown (the part you see in your mouth).
- Rinse the tooth if it is dirty.
- If possible, put it back in place facing the right direction.
- Or place the tooth between your cheek and gums to keep it moist.
- Or place the tooth in milk or a cup of water with a pinch of salt.
- Or place the tooth in a tooth preservation product with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
- Do not scrub the tooth or remove any attached fragments.
- Use a cold compress on the affected area.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever (such as Tylenol or Advil) if needed.
Chipped or Cracked Tooth
For a cracked or chipped tooth, use the following protocol, then call your dentist as soon as possible.
- Immediately rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Save any broken pieces and rinse them as well.
- Apply a cold compress on your face to keep any swelling down.
- If you are bleeding, apply gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever (such as Tylenol or Advil) if needed.
Objects Stuck in Mouth
If you have food or a foreign object stuck in your mouth, try gently removing the item with floss. Don’t use any pointed or sharp instruments to remove the object as this can scratch your tooth surface. If you are unable to remove the object, call your dentist as soon as possible.
Book an Appointment or Call Us Today to Schedule Your Next Dental Visit at 336.765.9247
Toothaches
If you are experiencing a toothache, try a little self-care.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out.
- Gently floss between your teeth to remove any food.
- Do not apply aspirin on your tooth your gum tissues.
- If your mouth is swollen, use a cold compress on your face.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever (such as Tylenol or Advil) if needed.
If the pain doesn’t subside, call your dentist for further instructions.
Biting Your Tongue, Lip or Cheek
Biting your tongue, lip or check can be very painful. When you are chewing, your teeth apply between 16 and 64 pounds of force. Try these self-care options.
- Rinse your mouth with a mild, salt-water solution.
- Gently apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek for 5–10 minutes.
- If you are bleeding, apply pressure to the site with gauze.
- For severe bites or if the bleeding doesn’t stop, see your dentist or go to the emergency room.
Tips to Avoid Dental Emergencies
Most dental emergencies can be avoided with advance precautions.
- When participating in sports, always wear a protective mouthguard.
- Slow down when you chew your food.
- Never use your teeth as a tool.
- Avoid chewing or biting hard candy, ice or popcorn kernels.
- Brush and floss daily.
- Use an anti-cavity dental rinse or mouthwash.
- Visit your dentist every six months.
If You’re Having a Dental Emergency, Call Us Right Away!
We’re Here When You Need Us!
Book an Appointment or Call Us Today to Schedule Your Next Dental Visit at 336.765.9247
All Aspects of General Dentistry Including: Root Canal Therapy, Dental Extractions, Invisalign, Dental Implants, Tooth Colored Fillings, Same Day CEREC Crowns, Full and Partial Dentures, 3-D CBCT X-rays
My office is located at:
1086 Whitaker Rd.
Winston Salem, NC 27106
336-765-9247
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