Common Dental Emergencies and What to Do

Dental emergencies can happen at any time and often when you least expect them. Knowing how to respond quickly and appropriately can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. At DONA DENT, we're here to help you handle dental emergencies with confidence.

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation involving your teeth, gums, or mouth that requires immediate attention. Common signs include:

• Severe tooth pain
• Bleeding that won't stop
• Swelling of the face or gums
• Trauma to the mouth or jaw
• Lost or broken dental work
• Knocked-out teeth

Common Dental Emergencies and First Aid

Severe Toothache

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
• Gently floss around the affected tooth
• Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek
• Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum

When to seek emergency care: If pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling or fever.

Knocked-Out Tooth

What to do:

• Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root
• Rinse gently with water if dirty (don't scrub)
• Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket
• If reinsertion isn't possible, keep the tooth moist in milk or saliva
• Get to the dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth

When to seek emergency care: Immediately - time is critical for successful reimplantation.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

What to do:

• Save any broken pieces if possible
• Rinse your mouth with warm water
• Apply gauze to any bleeding areas
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Avoid chewing on the affected side

When to seek emergency care: For large breaks, severe pain, or sharp edges that cut your tongue or cheek.

Lost Filling or Crown

What to do:

• Keep the crown or filling if found
• Clean the affected area gently
• Use dental cement or sugar-free gum as a temporary cover
• Avoid chewing on that side
• Don't use super glue or other household adhesives

When to seek emergency care: Within 24-48 hours to prevent further damage.

Abscess or Severe Infection

What to do:

• Rinse with warm salt water
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Don't ignore the problem - infections can spread

When to seek emergency care: Immediately - dental infections can become life-threatening.

Bleeding Gums

What to do:

• Rinse with warm salt water
• Apply gentle pressure with gauze
• Use a cold compress if swelling is present
• Avoid aspirin, which can increase bleeding

When to seek emergency care: If bleeding doesn't stop after 10-15 minutes or is accompanied by severe pain.

Jaw Injury

What to do:

• Apply ice to reduce swelling
• Secure the jaw with a bandage tied over the head
• Go to the emergency room or call an ambulance
• Don't attempt to move the jaw if it appears dislocated

When to seek emergency care: Immediately - jaw injuries require professional medical attention.

Prevention Tips

Many dental emergencies can be prevented with proper care:

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene
• Wear a mouthguard during sports
• Avoid chewing hard objects (ice, pencils, popcorn kernels)
• Don't use teeth as tools
• Address dental problems promptly
• Keep up with regular dental checkups

What to Keep in Your Dental Emergency Kit

• Dentist's contact information
• Pain relievers (ibuprofen and acetaminophen)
• Gauze pads and bandages
• Small container with lid
• Dental floss
• Temporary dental cement
• Cold compress
• Flashlight

When to Call DONA DENT

Contact our emergency line immediately if you experience:

• Severe, uncontrolled pain
• Significant trauma to the mouth or face
• Persistent bleeding
• Signs of infection (fever, swelling, pus)
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Suspected broken jaw

After Emergency Treatment

Following emergency dental care:

• Follow all post-treatment instructions
• Take prescribed medications as directed
• Attend follow-up appointments
• Maintain gentle oral hygiene around the affected area
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods
• Contact your dentist if symptoms worsen

Insurance and Payment

Most dental insurance plans cover emergency treatments. At DONA DENT, we:

• Accept most dental insurance plans
• Offer payment plans for emergency treatments
• Provide detailed treatment estimates
• Help you understand your coverage

Remember, dental emergencies require prompt attention to prevent complications and preserve your oral health. Don't hesitate to contact DONA DENT if you're experiencing a dental emergency. Dr. Çaush Dobra and our experienced team are here to provide the immediate care you need.

For dental emergencies, call our emergency line immediately. For non-urgent questions about dental emergencies, contact our office during regular business hours.