Dental emergencies have the potential to be serious! You really can’t afford to ignore them – prompt care is critical! In fact, failing to get proper emergency care quickly can increase your risk of permanent damage, and could result in more expensive treatment in the future.
So how do you determine what is a true dental emergency? And what do you do when you have that dental emergency? We’ve put together a guide to some of the most common dental emergencies and a summary of what to do when you face these problems.
Knocked Out Teeth
ACT QUICKLY! he best chance to save the tooth is within the first 20-60 minutes after the accident.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, immediately pick the tooth up by the crown (the whiter part that looks like a tooth). Make sure you don’t touch the root (the more yellow, cone shaped part). You must act quickly to prevent further damage to the surrounding teeth and gums.
Note: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it very quickly with water. Never scrub the tooth or try to remove pieces of soft tissue.
Then place it immediately back into its original place in the tooth socket, despite the bleeding. Keep it in place with a piece of gauze or fabric and close your teeth together to stabilize it.
If you can’t get the tooth back in, don’t force it. Place the tooth in a container of milk, or in a tooth-saving solution approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), e.g., Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution.
Make sure to go to your dentist’s office right away to improve your chances of saving the tooth!
Possible Broken Jaw
If you suspect your jaw is broken, the ADA recommends that you immediately apply a cold compress to keep the swelling down. In this circumstance, get to your hospital Emergency Department immediately. This will require urgent attention.
Broken Tooth
A broken, chipped tooth can be a serious dental problem. Damage often occurs inside of your tooth, as well as on the outside. Immediately contact your emergency dentist for an emergency appointment.
Save any tooth fragments in cold milk and take them to the dentist’s office. Sometimes they can be reattached. At minimum, it gives your dentist clues about the injury, as well as possible restorative treatments to restore the broken tooth.
Gently rinse out your mouth with warm water. You can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for the pain and apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling if the fracture was caused by trauma to the face.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Clean the area that’s bleeding gently with a clean cloth, or swish your mouth with warm salt water. Place a cold compress on the area to minimize swelling. If there’s significant bleeding or the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10-15 minutes, see your emergency dentist or head to the hospital Emergency Department right away.
Sometimes stitches may be necessary. You will minimize your risk of infection and improve the outcome by seeking care quickly.
Bleeding after a baby tooth falls out
It’s completely normal for your child’s baby teeth to fall out. In most cases, they won’t bleed very much. However, if there is bleeding, simply put a piece of gauze over the area. Have your child bite down on the gauze (or a wet washcloth) for 10-15 minutes.
However, if the baby tooth falls out due to trauma, you do NOT put the baby tooth back in your child’s mouth. If there is bleeding and it doesn’t stop after 15 minutes of pressure, take your child to the hospital Emergency Department right away. Either way, also contact your dentist immediately.
Often parents do not know if the injured tooth is a baby tooth or adult tooth. Contacting your dentist immediately is critical, especially if there are attached tissue fragments that may need further care.
Tooth ache
If you have a mild toothache, it may be caused by a cavity, food stuck in between teeth, gum disease, or something separate like a sinus infection. Start by rinsing out your mouth with warm water. Use some floss to remove any debris that may be around your tooth. If there’s swelling of your gums, apply a cold compress. If this does not improve the situation, contact your emergency dentist.
A more significant toothache could be the result of tooth decay that has infected the nerve of the tooth, or it may indicate that the tooth has a dental abscess, which needs immediate attention. Call your dentist immediately. You will need an x-ray to evaluate the affected area and find out the source of the pain. Swelling of the jaw or face, or pus coming out of the gums, are both signs of a serious dental infection.
Note: You should never crush up aspirin or other painkillers and rub them on your teeth. This can actually burn your gums. Instead, make an appointment with your emergency dentist right away.
Cold Sores/Canker Sores
Cold sores (herpes labialis) and canker sores (apthous ulcers) are two different things. Cold sores appear as red clusters on the outside of (or corners of) the mouth, while canker sores are generally larger red/white sores that occur inside your mouth (on the inside of your cheeks or lips, or under your tongue).
The herpes simplex virus 1 is what causes cold sores, and the virus never goes away. Cold sore outbreaks may occur frequently or intermittently, and usually go away after 7-10 days, but they are highly contagious and can be spread from person to person or parent to child. Topical antiviral ointments can be used to quicken healing, and may include OTC products (e.g. Abreva), or prescription strength medications (e.g. Valtrex).
No one is quite sure what triggers canker sores, although stress and sunlight exposure are commonly cited precursors, and they’re more common in people with dry mouth. In most cases, apthous ulcers need to run their course, and they’ll usually go away on their own in a week or two.
Note: Rinsing with salt water twice a day can help speed up healing. OTC products like Colgate’s Peroxyl may also help. Avoid products with a high alcohol content (e.g. Listerine), as these tend to cause discomfort and burning of the already-sore area. Topical numbing agents (e.g. Orajel) may temporarily reduce pain. Acetominophen (Tylenol) is best used when sores are really painful.
Dental emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important to be educated on proper protocols. Remember, if you experience an emergency, you can call Imagine Dentistry at any time. We’ll make sure you get connected with Dr. Coambs directly, even if it’s after hours or on the weekend. We understand that dental emergencies happen at all hours of the day, and we’re here to take care of your dental needs whenever an emergency occurs!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, it may indicate a serious dental issue like an infected tooth or a cavity. Begin by rinsing your mouth with warm water and using dental floss to remove any debris stuck between your teeth. You can also apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If the pain persists, it’s essential to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Avoid using painkillers directly on the gums, as this can cause further irritation.
In some cases of severe dental injury, it may be necessary to go to the nearest hospital emergency room. This is especially true if you’ve experienced significant trauma, like a broken jaw or severe facial injuries. If the injury involves extensive bleeding that won’t stop, or if you suspect a serious underlying issue, seek immediate care at a hospital emergency room. It is crucial to stabilize the injury until you can see your dentist.
A chipped or broken tooth can cause discomfort, but it is essential to see a dentist as soon as possible. If you’re unable to visit the dentist immediately, rinse your mouth with warm water and save any fragments of the tooth. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and manage the pain. For severe pain, take over-the-counter painkillers. Do not delay seeking dental care, as untreated dental injuries can lead to further complications.
A dental emergency involves any situation that causes severe pain or damage to your teeth, gums, or mouth. Common dental emergencies include knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, severe tooth pain, and dental injuries that involve heavy bleeding or infection. If you experience any of these, it’s essential to contact your dentist immediately. Waiting too long could result in permanent damage, increased pain, and more expensive treatments in the future.
While urgent care centers can treat a variety of health concerns, dental emergencies are best handled by a dentist. If you’re experiencing severe pain, a broken tooth, or dental injuries, it’s recommended to either contact your dentist directly or visit the nearest hospital emergency room for severe cases. Urgent care centers are not equipped to handle the complexities of dental emergencies. Seeking specialized care from a dentist as soon as possible ensures the best outcome for your oral health.
LEGALLY REVIEWED BY:
Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs, DDS, FAGD
Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs is a general dentist practicing in Charlotte, NC, with over a decade of clinical experience. A graduate of Rice University and the University of Texas School of Dentistry, she completed her residency at CMC Hospital (Atrium Health) and has served the Charlotte community since 2012. Earned the Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry – an honor held by fewer than 6% of general dentists nationwide.
Dr. Coambs is known for her patient-focused approach, blending advanced dental techniques with warmth and precision.
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