Steps to Take During a Dental Emergency

Main Street Family Dentistry is here for you during a dental emergency. A dental emergency can strike without warning, leading to pain, worry, and fear of what to do next. Whether it’s a sudden, throbbing toothache in the middle of the night or a tooth getting knocked out during a weekend sports game, your fast actions can make a significant impact on the outcome. While professional help is always necessary, knowing the right steps to take can help manage pain, help prevent further damage, and might even save your tooth.

Patient with toothache seated in dental chair in Plainfield, IN

This guide provides clear, calm instructions on what to do in a dental emergency. Staying calm and taking the right dental emergency steps can empower you to navigate this stressful experience with confidence. Contact us immediately if you experience a dental emergency.

Dealing with a Severe Toothache

A severe toothache is your body’s alarm signal that something is seriously wrong. It could indicate an abscess, a deep cavity, or a cracked tooth. The immediate actions to take include:

Rinse Your Mouth: Gently swish warm salt water (dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) around your mouth. This can help clean the area and reduce inflammation.
Gently Floss: Carefully floss around the painful tooth to dislodge any trapped food particles that might be causing irritation. Do not force the floss or use sharp objects.
Apply a Cold Compress: Place a cold compress or an ice pack with a towel on the cheek for 15-20 minute intervals to help numb the pain and reduce swelling.
Avoid Direct Application of Painkillers: Never place aspirin or any other painkiller directly against the gums near the aching tooth, as this can burn the gum tissue. You take ibuprofen from the store as directed, but do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Handling a Knocked-Out Tooth

Seeing a permanent knocked-out tooth can be terrifying, but if you act quickly, there’s a good chance it can be saved. Time is critical, and the best chance for successful re-implantation is within the first 30 to 60 minutes. The immediate actions you should take include:

Find the Tooth: Locate the tooth and pick it up by the crown, not the root. Touching the root can damage the delicate cells needed for re-attachment.
Gently Rinse the Tooth: If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or a saline solution for a few seconds. Do not use soap, and do not scrub or wipe it.
Try to Re-Implant It: If possible, gently push the tooth back into its socket. Hold it in place by biting down softly on a clean gauze or a wet tea bag.
Keep the Tooth Moist: Keeping the tooth moist is crucial if you cannot put it back in its socket. Place it in a small container of milk or your own saliva. Do not store it in plain water, as this can damage the root cells.
See a Dentist Immediately: Reach out to us immediately. A knocked out tooth requires immediate professional attention.

Patient receives emergency dental care in Plainfield, IN

Dental Trauma First Aid

Accidents happen, and injuries to the mouth, such as a cracked, broken, or dislodged tooth, require immediate attention. Proper dental trauma first aid can prevent infection and increase the chances of saving the tooth. Dental trauma first aid for various dental emergencies includes:

For a Cracked or Broken Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. If you can find the broken piece of the tooth, save it and take it to our dental team. Apply a cold compress to your face to minimize swelling.
For a Partially Dislodged Tooth: A tooth that has been pushed out of position but is still in the socket needs to be seen by a dentist right away. You can apply a cold compress or ice pack to ease pain, but do not try to force the tooth back into place yourself.
For Bleeding From the Mouth: If there is bleeding from a cut on your tongue, lip, or cheek, rinse your mouth with salt water and apply gentle, firm pressure to the area with a clean piece of gauze. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, seek immediate medical attention.

Home Remedies for Dental Emergencies

While waiting for your appointment, some simple remedies can provide temporary relief. These are not cures, but they can help you manage symptoms. Home remedies until you can get to the dentist include:

Clove Oil: A small amount of clove oil on a cotton ball can be applied to a painful tooth. Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic, but it should be used sparingly.
Salt Water Rinse: Salt water is one of the safest and most effective home remedies for dental emergencies. Salt water acts as a natural disinfectant and can help reduce swelling.
Cold Compress: An ice pack helps reduce pain and swelling from almost any dental injury.

When to Call the Dentist

It can sometimes be hard to distinguish between a minor issue and a true emergency. If you have a dental emergency accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing, a high fever, or severe swelling that spreads down your neck, go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately, as these could be signs of a life-threatening infection. You should call your dentist immediately if you experience any of the following:

A knocked out permanent tooth
A broken tooth causing severe pain
Persistent, severe pain
A tooth that is loose or out of alignment
Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
Noticeable swelling in your face, jaw, or gums

Contact Main Street Family Dentistry

Main Street Family Dentistry provides emergency dentistry services when you’re in need. Knowing the correct dental emergency steps can make a frightening situation more manageable and significantly improve the chances of a positive outcome. By staying calm, acting quickly, and following the right first-aid procedures, you can protect your oral health until you can receive professional care. Are you experiencing a dental emergency? Contact our dental office immediately for fast and effective help.