A dental emergency probably won’t strike at a convenient moment. However, knowing how to respond can significantly reduce pain, prevent further damage, and, in some cases, save your tooth. At Premier Arts Dental in Freehold Township, NJ, we understand the urgency and distress that come with dental emergencies. Led by Dr. Prachi Shah, our team is committed to providing prompt, compassionate care to alleviate your pain and address the issue. Here’s a guide on what to do when faced with a dental emergency, ensuring you’re prepared to handle the situation effectively.
1. Toothache
Toothaches can be debilitating and are often a sign of underlying issues. Initially, rinse your mouth with warm water and gently use a piece of floss to remove any food caught between your teeth. If swelling is present, apply a cold compress outside the affected area. Avoid putting painkillers directly on the gums near the aching tooth, as the chemicals in them can burn the gum tissue. Contact your dentist as soon as possible.
2. Chipped or Broken Teeth
Save any pieces of the broken tooth you can find. Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there’s any bleeding, apply gauze to the area for around 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. You can reduce swelling and relieve pain with a cold compress against your face near the broken/chipped tooth. See your Freehold emergency dentist immediately.
3. Knocked-Out Tooth
Hold the tooth by the crown (the part that is usually exposed in the mouth). Do not touch the root, but rinse it with water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub it or pull off any attached tissue fragments. Try to gently reinsert the tooth into its socket if it’s possible to do so without without forcing it. If that isn’t possible, place the tooth in a cup of milk. Water with a pinch of salt is okay but not as good as milk. Get to your dentist as quickly as possible — reimplanted teeth have the highest chance of survival if seen by a dentist within one hour of being knocked out.
4. Partially Dislodged (Extruded) Tooth
Get to your Freehold emergency dentist as fast as possible. Until you arrive, you can use a cold compress and over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain, if needed.
5. Objects Stuck Between Teeth
You can gently try to dislodge a stuck object with floss first. It’s not a good idea to use a sharp or pointed instrument to poke at the object. If floss isn’t effective, contact your emergency dentist. Do not try to forcibly remove the object, as it may cause more damage.
6. Lost Filling or Crown
For a lost filling, place a piece of sugar-free gum into the cavity (gum that contains sugar will cause pain) or use over-the-counter dental cement. If a crown falls off, make an appointment to see your emergency dentist as soon as possible. Make sure to bring the crown with you. If you can, slip the crown back over the tooth. First, coat the inner surface with an over-the-counter dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive. This will help keep it from falling out before you reach the dentist. Do not use super glue!
When to See a Dentist Immediately
Some dental emergencies require immediate attention, while others can wait a few days. However, it’s crucial to consult with a dentist as soon as possible, especially if you’re experiencing severe pain, bleeding, or have a loose or missing tooth. These situations typically require urgent dental care to save the tooth, prevent infections, or alleviate severe pain.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not all dental emergencies can be avoided, you can take steps to reduce your risk:
- Maintain regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash.
- Use a mouthguard during sports or recreational activities.
- Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, and other hard objects.
How Premier Arts Dental Can Help During a Dental Emergency
At Premier Arts Dental, we prioritize dental emergencies by offering prompt, effective treatments to relieve pain and address the issue at its core. Dr. Prachi Shah and our skilled team are equipped to handle a variety of dental emergencies with care and efficiency. If you or a loved one is experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact our office immediately. We’re here to provide the support and treatment you need to emerge from a dental crisis with your smile intact.
Dental emergencies can be frightening, but with the right knowledge and immediate action, you can navigate these situations with confidence. Remember, the key steps are to stay calm, take immediate action to alleviate pain and protect your oral health, and contact your dentist as soon as possible. At Premier Arts Dental in Freehold, your oral health is our top priority, and we’re dedicated to providing you with the care and assistance you need, whenever you need it.
