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Dental Emergencies

No one enjoys thinking about worst-case-scenarios, especially when it comes to your teeth. Unfortunately, the nature of emergencies is they can happen at any time, and they are often out of your control. When dental emergencies strike, knowing how to identify them and what to do can protect and even save you from losing a tooth altogether. At Beechnut Dental Care, we offer dental emergency services in Houston to keep your smile safe.

beechnut dental care emergency poster

No one enjoys thinking about worst-case-scenarios, especially when it comes to your teeth. Unfortunately, the nature of emergencies is they can happen at any time, and they are often out of your control. When dental emergencies strike, knowing how to identify them and what to do can protect and even save you from losing a tooth altogether. At Beechnut Dental Care, we offer dental emergency services in Houston to keep your smile safe.

Dental Emergencies

What are Dental Emergencies?

Dental emergencies encompass several conditions that should not wait for a regular dental appointment and require immediate treatment, or within 24 hours. Emergencies can take many forms, but ultimately, if you are experiencing severe dental pain, are bleeding profusely, or have lost a tooth, you should reach out to a dentist right away as the pain almost always worsens without treatment.

Many dental emergencies are fairly preventable. Dental injuries, for example, can be avoided by using protective mouthguards while playing sports or using your teeth as tools to open containers and packages. Dental infections, cavities, and severe periodontitis, on the other hand, can be avoided by practicing good oral hygiene regularly.

What Are Common Dental Emergencies?

Avulsed Tooth (Knocked Out/Lost Tooth)

If a tooth has been knocked clean out of the mouth, it is essential to see a dentist immediately.  When a tooth exits the mouth, tissues, nerves, and blood vessels become damaged.  If the tooth can be placed back into its socket within an hour, there is a chance the tissues will grow to support the tooth once again.

Here are some steps to take:

  • Call the dentist.
  • Pick up the tooth by the crown and rinse it under warm water. DO NOT touch the root.
  • If possible, place it back into its socket – if not, tuck it into the cheek pouch.
  • If the tooth cannot be placed in the mouth, put the tooth into a cup of milk, saliva, or water as a last resort. It is important to keep the tooth from drying out.
  • Get to the dentist, quickly and safely.

The dentist will try to replace the tooth in its natural socket. In some cases, the tooth will reattach, but if the inner mechanisms of the teeth are seriously damaged, root canal therapy may be necessary.

Lost Filling or Crown

Usually, a crown or filling comes loose while eating. Once it is out of the mouth, the affected tooth may be incredibly sensitive to temperature changes and pressure. Crowns generally become loose because the tooth beneath is decaying. The decay causes shape changes in the teeth – meaning that the crown no longer fits.

If a crown has dropped out of the mouth, make a dental appointment as soon as possible. Keep the crown in a cool, safe place because there is a possibility that the dentist can reinsert it. If the crown is out of the mouth for a long period of time, the teeth may shift or sustain further damage.

When the dentist is not immediately accessible, here are the steps to take:

  • Apply clove oil to the tooth to alleviate pain.
  • Clean the crown and affix it onto the tooth with dental cement. This can be purchased at the local pharmacy.
  • If the crown is lost, smear the top of the tooth with dental cement to alleviate discomfort.
  • DO NOT use any kind of glue to affix the crown.

The dentist will check the crown to see if it still fits. If it does, it will be reattached to the tooth. Where decay is noted, this will be treated, and a new crown will be made.

Cracked or Broken Teeth

The teeth are strong, but they are still prone to fractures, cracks, and breaks. Sometimes fractures are fairly painless, but if the crack extends down into the root, it is likely that the pain will be extreme. Fractures, cracks, and breaks can take several different forms but are generally caused by trauma, grinding and biting. If a tooth has been fractured or cracked, there is no alternative but to see the dentist as quickly as possible.

Where a segment of tooth has been broken off, here are some steps that can be taken at home:

  • Call the dentist.
  • Rinse the tooth fragment and the mouth with lukewarm water.
  • Apply gauze to the area for ten minutes if there is bleeding.
  • Place a cold, damp dishtowel on the cheek to minimize swelling and pain.
  • Cover the affected area with over-the-counter dental cement if there is no way to see the dentist immediately.
  • Take a topical pain reliever

The nature of the break or fracture will limit what the dentist is able to do. If a fracture or crack extends into the root, root canal therapy may be the only effective way to retain the tooth. In the case of a complete break, the dentist will usually affix the fragment back onto the tooth as a temporary measure.

Dislodged / Loose Teeth

When a tooth has been dislodged or loosened from its socket by trauma or decay, it might be possible to save it. If the tooth remains in the mouth and attached to the blood vessels and nerves, there is a good chance root canal therapy will not be necessary.

It is important to call the dentist immediately to make an appointment. In the meantime, use a cold compress and over-the-counter medications to relieve pain. The dentist will reposition the tooth and add splints to stabilize it. If the tooth fails to heal, root canal therapy may be required.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergency

What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?

If your tooth is knocked out, time is critical for successful re-implantation. Handle the tooth by the crown only, never touching the root. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water without scrubbing or removing any tissue fragments. Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket if possible, or keep it moist by placing it in milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation solution. Seek emergency dental care immediately, as the chances of saving the tooth decrease significantly after 30 minutes to an hour.

How can I manage severe tooth pain until I see a dentist?

For severe tooth pain, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped debris. Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed on the package, as ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15-20 minutes at a time. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, as this can cause tissue damage. Contact your dentist immediately to schedule an emergency appointment.

What should I do if I break or chip a tooth?

If you break or chip a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and save any tooth fragments if possible. Apply gauze to any bleeding areas and use a cold compress on the outside of your face to reduce swelling. Cover sharp edges with dental wax, sugarless gum, or temporary filling material available at pharmacies to protect your tongue and cheeks. Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed and contact your dentist as soon as possible, as even small chips can lead to bigger problems if left untreated.

How do I handle a dental abscess or facial swelling?

A dental abscess is a serious infection that can be life-threatening if it spreads. If you have facial swelling, severe pain, fever, or difficulty swallowing, seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to help draw out infection and reduce pain. Take over-the-counter pain relievers and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. Never ignore dental abscesses, as the infection can spread to other parts of your body and cause serious complications.

What constitutes a dental emergency versus something that can wait?

True dental emergencies require immediate attention and include knocked-out teeth, uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain, facial swelling affecting breathing or swallowing, and jaw fractures. Urgent situations that need prompt care within 24 hours include broken teeth, lost fillings or crowns causing pain, and moderate swelling. Non-emergency issues that can wait for regular office hours include minor chips without pain, lost fillings without discomfort, dull toothaches, and food stuck between teeth that can be removed with floss.

What should I include in a dental emergency kit?

A well-stocked dental emergency kit should include over-the-counter pain relievers, gauze pads, temporary filling material, dental wax, a small container with a lid for knocked-out teeth, instant cold compress, and your dentist’s contact information. Include a small flashlight or phone light for better visibility, tweezers for removing debris, and salt for making rinses. Keep the kit easily accessible at home, work, and in your car. Replace expired medications regularly and familiarize yourself with how to use each item before an emergency occurs.

How can I prevent dental emergencies?

Many dental emergencies can be prevented through good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and protective measures. Brush and floss daily, avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or using your teeth as tools. Wear a mouthguard during sports activities and consider a nightguard if you grind your teeth. Address dental problems promptly before they become emergencies, and maintain regular dental visits to catch issues early. Avoid opening packages with your teeth and be cautious when eating hard foods that could crack or chip your teeth.

Do You Have a Dental Emergency in Houston, Texas?

The best way to save your teeth from an emergency is through swift treatment by a skilled professional. At Beechnut Dental Care, we have skilled oral surgeons and dental professionals with decades of experience treating just about every dental issue you can imagine. Get in touch with us today to schedule an emergency appointment or call us to come in right away!

 
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