Do You Know What to Do in a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly and often require immediate attention. Knowing how to handle these situations at home can alleviate pain and prevent further damage until you can visit your dentist. At Dental Care Kennestone in Marietta, we want to ensure you’re prepared for any dental emergency. Here are some common dental emergencies and tips on what you can do at home before seeking professional care.

1. Toothache

Toothaches can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and can be caused by various factors such as cavities, gum disease, or a dental abscess.

What to Do:

• Rinse Your Mouth: Start by rinsing your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
• Floss: Gently floss around the tooth to remove any food particles that may be causing the pain.
• Pain Relief: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, as it can cause irritation.
• Visit Your Dentist: Schedule an appointment with Dental Care Kennestone as soon as possible to determine the cause of the toothache and receive appropriate treatment.

2. Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is a serious dental emergency that requires immediate attention to save the tooth.

What to Do:

• Handle with Care: Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface) and avoid touching the root.
• Rinse the Tooth: Gently rinse the tooth with water if it’s dirty, but do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue.
• Reinsert the Tooth: If possible, try to place the tooth back into its socket. Hold it in place by biting down on a piece of gauze or a clean cloth.
• Keep the Tooth Moist: If you can’t reinsert the tooth, place it in a container of milk, saline solution, or saliva to keep it moist.
• See Your Dentist Immediately: Contact Dental Care Kennestone right away. The sooner you receive professional care, the better the chances of saving the tooth.

3. Chipped or Broken Tooth

A chipped or broken tooth can be caused by trauma, biting down on something hard, or decay.

What to Do:

• Rinse Your Mouth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
• Save the Pieces: If possible, save any broken pieces of the tooth and rinse them with water.
• Pain Relief: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Visit Your Dentist: Schedule an appointment with Dental Care Kennestone to assess the damage and determine the best course of treatment, which may include bonding, a crown, or other restorative procedures.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

Losing a filling or crown can expose the tooth to further damage and sensitivity.

What to Do:

• Keep the Area Clean: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
• Temporary Protection: Use over-the-counter dental cement or a piece of sugarless gum to cover the exposed tooth and protect it until you can see your dentist.
• Visit Your Dentist: Contact Dental Care Kennestone to have the filling or crown replaced or repaired.

5. Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth is a serious infection that can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever. It requires prompt treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.

What to Do:

• Rinse with Salt Water: Rinse your mouth with a solution of warm water and salt several times a day to reduce pain and draw out pus.
• Pain Relief: Take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage the pain.
• See Your Dentist: An abscessed tooth is a dental emergency. Contact Dental Care Kennestone immediately for an evaluation and treatment, which may include antibiotics, drainage of the abscess, or a root canal.

6. Soft Tissue Injuries

Injuries to the tongue, cheeks, gums, or lips can result in bleeding and require prompt care.

What to Do:

• Rinse Your Mouth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
• Apply Pressure: Use a piece of gauze or a clean cloth to apply pressure to the bleeding area for 10-15 minutes.
• Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling.
• See Your Dentist: If the bleeding doesn’t stop or if the injury is severe, contact Dental Care Kennestone for immediate care.

Call Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Marietta

Knowing how to handle common dental emergencies can help you manage pain and prevent further damage until you can receive professional care. At Dental Care Kennestone in Marietta, we are here to provide prompt and effective treatment for all your dental emergencies. If you experience any of these issues, don’t hesitate to contact us for immediate assistance. Our experienced team is here to provide the care you need to protect your oral health.

Posted on behalf of Dental Care Center at Kennestone