Unlike traditional medical emergencies, there is no specialized ward for dental crises. Emergency rooms often lack dental specialists and the necessary equipment for treatment, making comprehensive, curative care an impossibility. In severe, life-threatening circumstances, patients should always head immediately to the emergency room for medical stability. But for acute dental afflictions that do not pose a mortal threat, there is no widely known and agreed upon place for same-day dental care. This uncertainty can often leave people at a loss or in a panic when a major dental ailment afflicts them, making even minor dental emergencies feel like a major challenge. This blog post lays out some of the most common dental afflictions and the proper course of action, to assuage fear and ensure timely care is administered. For each emergency, this blog details the plausible causes, immediate action and first aid, rapidity of necessary care, and possible avenues of treatment.
Severe Toothache: Severe toothaches are the most common dental emergency, stemming from a wide range of possible sources. Cavities, infection, and trauma are three common causes; in most cases a doctor’s diagnosis is needed to confirm the source of the pain and receive treatment. When facing intense tooth pain, patients should first clean the affected area by rinsing with warm water and gently flossing. A cold compress can then be applied to reduce the swelling and manage pain. The severity of the pain determines the level of emergency: mild pain or persistent discomfort can likely wait a few days, while blinding pain should be seen as soon as possible. Possible treatments range from a filling, a course of antibiotics, an extraction, to a root canal, dependent on the ailment’s source.
Knocked-Out Tooth: A knocked-out teeth occurs when the tooth has been cleanly jostled from the socket, root and all. This usually stems from blunt force traumas — punches, kicks, slams, etc. — administered with an incredible amount of force. If your tooth has been knocked out, first find the excised tooth. When picking it up, be sure to grab it by the crown and not the root to avoid damage. Carefully hold the tooth and rinse off any debris with water; do not scrub or remove any attached tissues. If possible, you then want to insert the tooth back into the socket. This helps keep the tooth moist and delay further damage and cell death, extending the chances and time-frame of re-implantation. If the tooth can not be placed back in the socket, holding the tooth in your cheek also works, but that practice makes many patients nervous about potential choking. When the tooth cannot be held in the mouth, you want to store it covered in milk, saline, or saliva. Do not store your tooth in pure water; the lack of minerals and sugars in tap water will cause the cells at the tooth root to swell and eventually burst, leading to cell death and a non-chance of reattachment. After the tooth has been secured, call your dentist or an emergency clinic for an appointment as soon as possible. An appointment is needed the same day as removal to ensure proper reattachment.
Chipped/Fractured Tooth: Chipped and fractured teeth also result from various forms of blunt force trauma. Patients who have chipped a tooth should rinse their mouth with warm water and apply gauze to any bleeding areas. A cold compress should then be applied to manage swelling and pain. Patients should make a dental appointment for as soon as possible, as the enamel breakage leaves the body vulnerable to infection and complications. Depending on the severity and location of the breakage, dentists could recommend the a filling to join the broken fragments or complete coverage the affected area with a crown cap.
Lost Filling or Crown: Fillings or crowns break or fall out fairly regularly; intense chewing and pressure on the affected areas can expedite the erosion process. The removal of these covers leaves the sensitive and delicate tooth pulp exposed. If the crown cap comes out clean, keep it safe as it can potentially be reattached. Schedule a visit with your dentist for as soon as possible, preferably same day, to treat the affected areas. Depending on the type of detachment, your dentist may simply refill the filling, reattach the crown, or provide you with a temporary crown while a new one is made.
Gingival Inflammation: Gingival inflammation describes a variety of afflictions that result in gum pain, sensitivity, and decay. Symptoms include bleeding, localized or systemic pain, pus, redness, and/or swelling. There are a wide variety of sources for this affliction: foreign bodies lodged in the gum line causing irritation and infection, neglected oral health, etc. The level of pain and discomfort the ailment causes determines the rapidity of required treatment. If you have blinding pain, schedule for as soon as possible. Common treatment courses include a numbing shot, followed by a deep gingival cleaning and a course of local or systemic antibiotics. Repeat cleanings may be necessary depending on the severity of infection.
Abscessed Tooth: Abscessed teeth are the most severe and life-threatening of these common emergencies. An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection in the pulp of the tooth. The bacteria can come from untreated cavities, injury, or unsanitary dental work. Abscesses need to be treated promptly, as the infection can spread further into the body, causing sepsis in extreme cases. Symptoms include intense pain, fever, halitosis, swollen lymph nodes, and a sensitivity to pressure and temperature. When you notice an abscess, rinse your mouth with salt water to sanitize and clean. Avoid applying any heat or cold directly to the affected area, as it can cause further damage. Call your dentist or contact an emergency dental clinic. If you cannot get a same-day appointment with them, go to the emergency room. Go immediately to the emergency room with an abscess if you develop trouble breathing and swallowing; this likely indicates the infection has spread further into your body. Standard treatment includes a draining of the abscess, an extraction or root canal depending on the severity of the infection, and a course of antibiotics.
If you find yourself faced with any of these ailments, please follow these instructions to ensure the best chance of complete recovery, stability, and success. Depending on the variety and severity of your dental emergency, the doctors here at Westtown Dental Care may not be able to immediately administer curative treatment. Some cases require endodontists or oral surgeons, but a visit to our practice is required for a reference to schedule with these specialty clinics, so it is never a waste to call and schedule with our office if you feel something is wrong.
For your dental emergencies, do not hesitate to give our office a call at 484-887-0777. As always, we are honored to be a part of your care.
Works Cited
“Common Dental Emergencies: A Guide On How to Handle Them.” Greater Dental Health, 21 August 2024. https://www.greaterdentalhealth.com/blog/common-dental-emergencies-a-guide-on-how-to-handle-them/
“Dental Emergencies: How to Handle Unexpected Oral Issues with Confidence.” Cherry Hill Dental, 28 August 2023. https://www.cherryhilldentalonline.com/dental-emergencies-unexpected-oral-issues/
“Does Keeping a Tooth in Milk Really Help?” South Arlington Dental Care, 7 February 2020. https://www.southarlingtondentalcare.com/blog/does-keeping-a-tooth-in-milk-really-help/
“Navigating The 7 Most Common Dental Emergencies: A Practical Guide.” Lakewood Family Dental Care, 1 October 2023. https://www.lakewoodfamilydental.com/blog/navigating-the-7-most-common-dental-emergencies-a-practical-guide/
“Tooth abscess.” Mayo Clinic, 29 June 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350907