Dental emergencies are often unexpected, causing panic and confusion about what steps to take next. Whether it's a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, or a lost filling, knowing how to react can make the difference between saving or losing a tooth. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the necessary steps to handle common dental emergencies until you can reach a dental professional.
Recognizing Dental Emergencies
Not all dental issues require immediate attention, but some certainly do. Dental emergencies are situations that involve bleeding, severe pain, or trauma to your mouth that may result in a lost or broken tooth.
- Knocked-out tooth: If a tooth is completely knocked out of your mouth, it's crucial to act quickly. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root, rinse it gently without scrubbing, and if possible, reinsert it into the socket or store it in milk or water with a pinch of salt.
- Severe toothache: Persistent, severe pain could indicate an abscess or infection, which can become serious if not treated promptly. Rinse your mouth with warm water, gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between your teeth, and avoid applying aspirin directly to your gums or teeth.
When to Visit an Emergency Dentist
Some dental issues can wait until your dentist's regular operating hours, while others need immediate attention. If you're experiencing any of the following, it's time to seek emergency dental care:
- Intense pain: If the pain is unbearable and over-the-counter pain relievers aren't helping, it's a sign you need to see a dentist right away.
- Loose teeth: Adults should never experience loose teeth. If your tooth is loose, even without pain, it's a critical sign that you're dealing with a dental emergency.
- Swollen jaw: A swollen jaw can be a sign of a serious infection, such as salivary gland infection.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not all dental emergencies can be avoided, you can take some steps to reduce your risk.
- Regular dental check-ups: Routine visits to your dentist can help detect potential problems early before they turn into emergencies.
- Wear a mouthguard: If you play sports, a mouthguard can protect your teeth from injury.
- Avoid chewing hard foods: Ice, hard candies, popcorn kernels, and other hard foods can crack or chip your teeth.
What to Expect at an Emergency Dental Visit
During an emergency dental visit, the dentist will aim to alleviate pain, stop any bleeding, and save your tooth if possible. You may require an x-ray to determine the extent of the damage. Depending on your situation, the dentist might perform a minor procedure on the spot or schedule a follow-up appointment for more complex treatment.
Emergency Dentistry in The Golden Triangle, Capitol Hill, Downtown Denver
At Poulos, Somers & Marshall, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful and scary. That's why we're committed to providing prompt, compassionate emergency dental care to our patients in The Golden Triangle, Capitol Hill, and Downtown Denver. If you're experiencing a dental emergency, don't hesitate to call us at (303) 832-4867. Our team is ready to help you get the care you need when you need it most.
