Emergency Dental Care: What to Do When You Need Immediate Help

Most people don’t think much about their smiles until a sudden toothache wakes them up or a fall knocks out a tooth. Acting quickly in those moments is key to protecting your oral health.

At SolidSMILES Dental in Lewisville, Texas, expert dentist Hiral Patel, DDS, offers same-day emergency dentistry to people of all ages. Keep reading to learn what qualifies as a dental emergency and what to do if you experience one. 

What qualifies as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any oral health issue that requires immediate care. Dental problems that fall into this category include:

• Knocked-out teeth
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Severe toothaches
• Abscesses or swelling
• Lost crowns or fillings
• Broken braces and retainers
• Severe jaw pain

Most of these injuries occur suddenly, due to accidents, such as falls, sports injuries, or car crashes. In general, contact us right away if you or a loved one experiences a dental problem involving pain, swelling, or bleeding.

Immediate steps you can take at home

Because dental emergencies can happen at any time, knowing what to do is crucial to preserving your tooth and smile. Here are some quick, at-home tips for the most common injuries we see:

Knocked-out tooth

If one of your permanent teeth gets knocked out, carefully pick it up by the crown (the hard part covered in enamel) and rinse it off in tap water. Then, place the tooth into a glass of milk or gently tuck it inside your cheek. Just be careful not to swallow it!

Cracked tooth

If you crack a permanent tooth, rinse your mouth out with warm saltwater to clean the area and help soothe irritation. We also recommend taking an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medication and applying a cold compress to your cheek to help reduce swelling.

Broken dental restoration (e.g., a crown or filling)

If a dental restoration, such as a crown or filling, breaks or becomes damaged, collect all the pieces (if possible) and wrap them in foil or place them in a plastic sandwich bag. Once the pieces are secured, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and avoid biting down on the affected tooth until we can examine it.

Severe toothache

If you experience a severe toothache, take an over-the-counter pain medication and contact our office immediately. While you wait, apply a cold compress to the cheek near the affected tooth and avoid eating or drinking anything too hot or too cold.

When to see a dentist or go to the emergency room (ER)

In the event of a dental emergency, one thing’s for sure: the sooner you act, the better.

If you or a loved one has a tooth knocked out or damaged, or develops a severe toothache, contact our office right away. Dr. Patel sets aside time for same-day emergency dentistry each day and will do everything possible to get you in for an appointment. 

However, if your injury occurs outside regular business hours, visit your nearest emergency room (ER). Waiting even a few hours could mean the difference between saving and losing your tooth.

Need emergency dental care? Contact us!

Suffering a dental emergency can be stressful, but if you act quickly, there’s a good chance we can save your smile and prevent complications. If you need to see an emergency dentist, get in touch today.

Call SolidSMILES Dental today to schedule emergency dentistry or book your visit online.