What Dental Issues Are Considered a Dental Emergency?

Emergency and disaster preparedness is important and effective, and that’s true when it comes to a dental emergency, too. In this post, we’ll cover some common dental emergencies, and let you know what to do if an accident happens.

man holding his lip to show a broken tooth

A Knocked Out Tooth

If a tooth falls out, definitely consider the issue at hand an emergency. Usually this will happen if you’re playing a sport or if you get into some type of accident. If you have the bad luck to find yourself in this situation, you’ll want to do what you can to save the tooth. Avoid touching the tooth root but carefully pick up the tooth and rinse it. Gently attempt to put the tooth back in place and hold it there by softly biting down on gauze. If you can’t do that, put the tooth in milk. Either way, get to the dentist ASAP.

Broken Tooth

With a chipped or cracked tooth, you don’t have to act with the same amount of urgency as you would with a knocked out tooth. If this happens, gently clean the mouth with warm water. You may experience some pain or swelling, pain medication and a cold compress can help with that. If you can save the missing piece of the tooth, bring it with you when you head to the dentist.

Infection

Another potential emergency is an abscessed tooth. If you have a tooth that becomes infected you’ll know because you’ll begin to experience intense pain and sensitivity. If the infection is ignored, a fever, along with other symptoms, may develop. Signs of an infection should never be ignored, as it can spread and become a life-threatening illness. If you’re showing signs, head to the dentist as soon as you can.

Atlantic Dental Partners Is Here to Help

If you think you’ve experienced a dental emergency, we’re here to let you know what to do. It’s a good idea to keep our offices number saved in your phone in case dental disaster strikes.

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