Dental Emergency – Manchester

March 31, 2023

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

Dental emergencies can be frightening and painful. They can happen at any time, often when you least expect it. Knowing what to do when a dental emergency arises can help alleviate some of the stress and pain that come with these situations. In this article, we will discuss common dental emergencies, what to do in each situation, and how to prevent them from happening.

Common Dental Emergencies

1. Toothache

A toothache can be caused by a variety of factors, including tooth decay, infection, or gum disease. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. If you experience a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food particles that may be causing the pain. Take over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate the discomfort, and contact your dentist to schedule an appointment.

2. Broken Tooth

A broken tooth can be caused by trauma, biting down on something hard, or tooth decay. Symptoms include pain, sensitivity, and a sharp edge on the tooth. If you experience a broken tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces of the tooth and contact your dentist immediately.

3. Knocked-out tooth

A knocked-out tooth can be caused by trauma, such as a sports injury or accident. If you experience a knocked-out tooth, retrieve the tooth and rinse it gently with water. Do not touch the root of the tooth. If possible, place the tooth back into the socket and hold it in place with clean gauze. If you cannot place the tooth back into the socket, put it in a cup of milk or saliva and contact your dentist immediately.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

A lost filling or crown can be caused by decay, trauma, or biting down on something hard. Symptoms include sensitivity, pain, and a visible hole in the tooth. If you experience a lost filling or crown, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a small amount of dental cement or temporary filling material to the affected area. Contact your dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

5. Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth is a serious dental emergency that requires immediate treatment. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and pus around the affected tooth. If you experience an abscessed tooth, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and contact your dentist immediately.

What to do next?

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