Dental Emergency Preparedness: How to Handle Unexpected Oral Issues

No one ever expects to encounter a dental emergency, but it’s essential to know how to respond when one does occur. Dental injuries are relatively common in the U.S., with the highest prevalence among individuals aged 18 to 44. While not every dental problem is an emergency, those that pose serious consequences if left untreated should be promptly seen by a professional. Let’s look at some of the most common dental emergencies and what to do if you experience an unexpected oral health issue.

Common Types of Dental Emergencies and How to Respond

Any dental-related emergency that causes injury to the teeth or gums should be considered severe and not be ignored. Some injuries that require immediate attention from your dentist in Clermont include:

Toothaches

Not all toothaches warrant a trip to the emergency dentist, but pain could indicate something is amiss. If you are experiencing sudden or significant tooth pain, start by thoroughly rinsing out your mouth with warm water. Use dental floss to help dislodge any stuck food or debris if needed. Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

Sports, accidental hits to the mouth, and other trauma can leave a tooth chipped or broken. When this happens, you’ll want to save the lost pieces of the tooth if you can. Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently apply gauze to the area until bleeding ceases. With swift action, your dentist can repair and save your tooth.

Knocked-Out Tooth

It can be scary to know that your tooth has been knocked out, whether it’s still loose in the socket or wholly removed from the mouth. If this happens to you, rinse the root with water and avoid scrubbing or removing attached tissue. If you can, carefully put the tooth back into the socket, but don’t force it. Alternatively, you can place the tooth into a small container of milk. It could be saved if you see your dentist within one hour of it being knocked out.

Lost Filling

Sticky foods and other causes can lead to a lost filling, leaving the tooth with an open hole where the filling once sat. With the underlying nerves exposed, a lost filling can cause pain when you eat or drink. Immediate treatment is needed to avoid further damage to the tooth. In the meantime, stick a piece of sugarless gum into the tooth cavity or insert some over-the-counter dental cement.

Dental Abscess

An abscess is an infection that develops around the root of a tooth or in the space between the gums and teeth. This severe condition can damage the surrounding teeth and tissues if left untreated and spread to other body areas. If you discover a painful pimple-like swelling on your gum, it’s essential to see your Clermont dentist immediately. While you wait, rinse your mouth with a mild salt water solution several times daily.

Soft-Tissue Injuries

In some instances, an injury may not affect the teeth directly but only the soft tissues in the mouth, such as the cheeks, gums, lips, or tongue. These injuries may result in pain, swelling, and/or bleeding. The first thing you’ll want to do is control the bleeding. Start by rinsing your mouth with salt water. Then, moisten a piece of gauze and apply pressure to the affected area. Try to hold the gauze in place for 15 to 20 minutes. Any discomfort can often be relieved with a cold compress to the outside of the mouth.

Trust Hancock Village Dental for All of Your Dental Care Needs

Dental emergencies don’t need to cause panic if you’re prepared. Knowing how to handle a wide range of common dental emergencies can mean the difference between losing and saving a tooth. At Hancock Village Dental in Clermont, FL, we offer a wide range of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental services to help keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Contact our office today at 352-989-5815 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.