How to Handle Dental Emergencies

Because our teeth, tongues and gums are so sensitive and vital, a dental emergency can be alarming. But, depending on the type of injury that occurs, you have several options for handling the problem. No matter how big or small the emergency, you should feel comfortable and confident calling your dentist for advice and instruction.

The first step to handling a dental emergency--any emergency really--is to stay calm and assess the immediate situation. Did your child fall and bite his or her tongue? If so, the case will look and sound more dire than it really is. Make sure you know what you're dealing with before trying to address the problem.

Here are several, common dental emergencies and advice for how best to handle them.

1. Damaged, broken or cracked teeth can be messy and painful. Save all pieces of the tooth, and carefully rinse them clean if they become dirty. Gently wash the mouth with a saline solution, and use a cold compress and over-the-counter medication to relieve the pain and reduce the risk of swelling. Call your dentist and explain the emergency so he or she will know what to expect when you arrive.

2. Knocked out teeth are a true dental emergency. Not only because they are painful, but unless restored by a dentist within the first few hours, knocked out teeth can be difficult to reattach. If you knock out a tooth, rinse it carefully and put it in a cup of milk or warm water. Milk, as well as products such as Save-A-Tooth, will help slow the dying process of the tooth, which begins within minutes after being knocked out. It's imperative you contact your dentist immediately to schedule an emergency appointment for reattachment.

3. Lost fillings are not uncommon, and in most cases, they are minor dental problems, not emergencies. If you are not able to get in to see your dentist immediately--if it's evening or a holiday, for example--use a piece of sugar-free gum to block the open cavity. You can also find dental cements and packing gauze (similar to what is used when wisdom teeth are removed) at the pharmacy to seal off and protect the exposed tooth.

4. A lost crown is a bit more pressing than a lost filling. Save the crown, and if possible, wash it and replace it over the tooth, securing it with a bit of dental cement or even toothpaste. Don't sleep with it loosely attached for risk of choking. If you have pain, use clove oil and over-the-counter pain relievers. Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible for reattachment.

5. Braces, brackets, bands and wires can all become unfixed or break. While your orthodontist will need to repair these items, there are a few things you can do to handle these dental emergencies. Use rubber pencil erasers to try and move wires around so they are not poking into your tongue or gums. You can also use gauze and wax to keep the broken components from cutting your soft tissue or causing pain. Save all pieces; never cut broken wires or force bands back into place if it's difficult; and schedule an appointment to have the broken item repaired as soon as possible.

6. Abscesses can quickly become serious dental emergencies because they are infections. They can not only be painful and detrimental to the tooth, the germs can spread causing additional health problems. Abscessed teeth should be evaluated by a dental professional immediately.

Remember, if you are unsure how to handle your dental emergency, always call your dentist first to get the most sound, trusted advice possible.


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Creative Dentistry of Atlanta understands that handling dental emergencies is stressful. Visit http://www.creativedentistryofatlanta.com/ for information on how to best address these situations.


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