What to Do When a Dental Emergency Occurs

Experiencing a dental emergency can be stressful, but knowing how to handle the situation calmly and effectively can make a significant difference in the outcome. Here’s a guide on what to do when a dental emergency occurs:

Step-by-step Dental Emergency recommendations

1. Stay Calm: Keep a calm and composed demeanor. This will help you think clearly and make the best decisions.
2. Assess the Situation: Determine the severity of the emergency. Is there bleeding, severe pain, or visible damage to the teeth or mouth?
3. Contact Your Dentist: If your regular dentist has emergency hours, call their office immediately. If it’s after hours or they can’t see you right away, they can provide guidance or refer you to an emergency dental clinic.
4. Control Bleeding: If there’s bleeding, gently clean the area and apply gentle pressure using a clean cloth or gauze. If bleeding doesn’t stop or is severe, seek medical attention.
5. Tooth Knocked Out (Avulsed):
   • Pick up the tooth by the crown (top), not the root.
   • Rinse the tooth gently with water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments.
   • Try to place the tooth back into its socket, if possible, and bite down gently to hold it in place.
   • If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or your own saliva to keep it moist. The tooth has a better chance of survival if it’s kept moist.
   • Seek dental care immediately, as the chances of saving the tooth decrease with time.
6. Broken Tooth:
   • Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
   • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
   • Save any broken pieces and bring them to the dentist.
7. Loose or Dislodged Tooth:
   • Gently try to reposition the tooth back into its original position using light pressure.
   • Bite down gently to keep the tooth in place.
   • See your dentist as soon as possible.
8. Severe Toothache:
   • Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
   • Use dental floss to remove any trapped debris.
   • Do not place aspirin or any painkiller against the gums or on the aching tooth, as it can burn the gum tissue.
   • Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
   • Schedule a dental appointment to identify the cause of the pain.
9. Object Lodged Between Teeth:
   • Gently try to remove the object using dental floss. Do not use sharp objects that could damage your gums.
   • If you can’t remove the object, see your dentist.
10. Broken Dental Appliance (Braces, Crown, etc.):
    • Save any broken pieces.
    • If a wire is causing discomfort, cover the end with orthodontic wax or a small cotton ball.
    • Visit your dentist or orthodontist for repairs.

Remember, in all dental emergencies, seeking professional care is essential. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, it’s always safer to contact your dentist for advice. Preparing for emergencies by having your dentist’s contact information readily available can also help you respond quickly and effectively.