If you have experienced severe dental pain, you know how much it can disrupt your daily routine and quality of life. Emergencies can develop at any time of day, regardless of your dentist's office hours.
When dental patients feel discomfort, they need to know when to seek an emergency appointment. This blog will share the criteria that make dental pain an emergency. It will break down the different types of dental emergencies and name some situations that can wait for the next business day. We also provide tips for basic dental first aid that you can undertake while waiting to see your practitioner.
Determining Whether You Have an Emergency
Your dental pain may be an emergency if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Sudden tooth loss
- Bleeding
- Swelling in the gums, face, or lymph nodes
- Fever or chills
- Pain that keeps you awake, especially when accompanied by facial swelling, sensitivity, and a throbbing sensation
- Cracked or broken tooth
- Severe toothache that makes it hard to eat, sleep, relax, or chew
Non-Emergency Situations
While these problems need prompt care, they can likely wait until the next business day. Always call your dentist when in doubt.
- Dull toothache that responds well to ice packs or over-the-counter medication
- Chipped tooth unless causing severe pain
- Lost or broken dental restoration (crowns, fillings, etc.) unless causing pain
Dental First Aid Tips
Cold Packs
Use a cold pack on the outside of your cheek to relieve pain and bring swelling down.
Floss Gently
If you feel something is wedged between your teeth, try to remove it gently with floss. Do not use a sharp object to remove debris.
Rinse with Warm Salt Water
A warm salt-water rinse can help soothe irritated gums and oral tissues.
Tooth Loss
If you lose a tooth, be sure to save it. Rinse it gently under lukewarm water, holding it only by the crown. If possible, put the tooth back in the socket. If you can't replace the tooth in the socket, keep it in a small cup of milk on your way to the dentist. The sooner you receive care for a knocked-out tooth, the more likely you will be able to save it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry
Is a lost crown a dental emergency?
If your lost crown causes severe pain, call your dentist and arrange a prompt appointment. If it does not cause pain or sensitivity, you should be able to wait for a weekday appointment. Bring the crown with you so your dentist can replace it.
What happens if my child knocks out a baby tooth?
Dentists cannot reimplant baby teeth because they would damage the permanent tooth under the gum. However, you should bring your child to the dentist as soon as possible to check for damage to other teeth.
Call Dental Associates
If you suffer from a toothache or a dental emergency, don’t wait to seek help. We offer after-hours care in our Farmington, CT, office. Call us at 860-677-8666 and follow the instructions provided, and we will see you as soon as possible.