It’s fair to say that most people would know what to do when faced with an urgent medical situation. Chances are we’d be paying a visit to our local emergency department. However, would you know what to do if you were faced with a dental emergency, or even, what constitutes a said emergency?
Research suggests not…
Sources state that dental emergencies account for 2.1 million visits to emergency rooms annually in the U.S. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) also say that not every dental issue warrants a trip to the ER. In fact, they suggest that many of these visits would have been better being referred to local dentists, saving approximately $1.7 billion in incurred costs.
If you’re unsure about what constitutes a dental emergency, you’re not alone. In this post, we’re going to discuss what a dental emergency is but also, when immediate emergency treatment is required and when it’s not, as we walk you through various dental emergencies. So let’s get started.
Firstly, what do the experts say about dental emergencies?
According to the ADA, a dental emergency can be something as simple as a problem that causes biological, functional or aesthetic complications, through to potentially life-threatening issues that require immediate ‘emergency’ treatment.
With this in mind, let’s start with the less severe problems and work our way up to emergencies that necessitate speedy dental treatment.
Toothache: The Common (but Painful) Culprit
Most of us have had toothache at one time or another and it’s defined by any intermittent or prolonged pain that emanates from the tooth. Discomfort is usually the result of various factors, including cavities, gum disease, or even sinus infections. Most often, it’s a sign that something is wrong with the tooth’s root or the surrounding gums.
How to deal with it:
- Take over-the-counter meds: Pain relief like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are useful in relieving mild to moderate toothache pain.
- Rinse the mouth: Use warm salt water to rinse your mouth. It can help to remove any debris that might be irritating the tooth. Additionally, saltwater is a natural antiseptic, which helps reduce inflammation and clear minor infections.
- Cold compress: If there is evidence of swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15-minute intervals to help numb the area and reduce discomfort.
When to see a dentist:
If the pain persists for more than a day and cannot be relieved by over-the-counter medications, or is accompanied by fever, swelling, or a foul-tasting discharge, make an appointment with your dentist at your earliest convenience. Persistent pain can indicate a more serious issue like an abscess, which requires immediate treatment.
Lost Filling or Crown: A Minor Setback
A lost filling or crown is often more of an esthetic setback than a dental emergency and in these situations, a next-day appointment would normally suffice. However, when a missing filling or crown causes discomfort, or exposes the underlying tooth to damage or infection, then a same-day dental emergency appointment would be beneficial.
How to deal with it in the meantime:
- Perform a temporary repair: Did you know that you can buy dental cement from most pharmacies for just a few bucks? Use it to cover the cavity or reattach the crown until you make an appointment with your dentist.
- Sugar-free gum: As a last resort, sugar-free gum can be used as a substitute to fill a cavity temporarily. Avoid chewing on the affected side until the crown or filling is replaced.
When to see a dentist:
Any temporary repair you carry out at home should be just that. Therefore it’s important to make an appointment within a few days to have the filling or crown properly restored. Delaying too long could lead to further decay or damage.
Chipped or Broken Teeth: Handle with Care
A chipped or broken tooth can be alarming, but not all breaks are equal. Minor chips might not hurt, but deeper fractures can cause significant discomfort and expose the tooth to infection.
How to deal with it:
- Rinse and save the piece: If possible, save the broken fragment and rinse your mouth with warm water. In some cases, larger pieces may be cemented back in place.
- Stop any bleeding: If the break causes bleeding, apply gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
- Cold compress: Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort.
When to see a dentist:
For minor chips, you can probably wait a day or two before you see the dentist but for larger breaks, where the tooth’s nerve is exposed, you need to see a dentist immediately, as this can lead to infection or severe pain.
Knocked-Out Tooth: Time is of the Essence
A knocked-out or avulsed tooth is one of the more severe dental emergencies. The good news is that it might be possible to save the tooth if you act quickly. According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), getting treatment within 30 minutes can significantly improve the chances of saving the tooth.
How to deal with it :
- Gently handle the tooth: Pick the tooth up by the top and avoid touching the tooth root. This can damage the delicate cells needed for reattachment.
- If necessary gently wash the tooth: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it with water, but do not scrub or use soap.
- Reinsert the tooth: If possible, try to gently reinsert the tooth back into its socket and hold it in place by biting down on gauze.
- Preserve the tooth: If you can’t reinsert it, place the tooth in a cup of milk or a saline solution. Avoid using plain water, as it can damage the root cells.
When to see a dentist:
A knocked-out tooth is most definitely a dental emergency requiring immediate attention. The sooner you can get to a dentist, the better the chances of saving the tooth, so pick up the phone right away.
Abscessed Tooth: A Serious Infection
An abscess is essentially a pocket of pus that forms as part of a defensive mechanism against an invasion of bacteria. It can develop in different parts of the tooth or gums and may cause severe pain, fever, swelling, and even difficulty breathing.
How to deal with it:
- Saltwater solution: A warm saltwater rinse can help reduce some discomfort and draw the pus to the surface.
- Pain relief: Take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen which may help to alleviate discomfort
When to visit a dentist:
An abscessed tooth is a clear-cut emergency that requires immediate dental intervention. If left untreated, infection can spread to other parts of the body. In some cases, this can become life-threatening.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts, Tears, and Lacerations
Accidents happen and accidental cuts, tears, or punctures to the inside of the mouth can occur from biting down too hard or a traumatic injury. Though these injuries often bleed profusely, many can be treated at home with basic first aid.
How to deal with it:
- Give your mouth a rinse: Rinse the mouth with a mild saltwater solution to clean the wound.
- Apply pressure: If necessary, use a clean gauze pad to apply pressure to the area for 10–15 minutes to stop the bleeding.
- Cold compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling.
When to visit the dentist:
Seek immediate dental or medical attention If bleeding continues after 15 minutes or the injury is severe. Deep cuts may require stitches so this may be one time that you’re right to visit the ER department for a dental emergency.
Know When to Seek Professional Help
Hopefully, this post has given you a better idea of what constitutes a full-on dental emergency and what you need to do. While some dental issues can be temporarily managed at home until you can get to a dentist, others require immediate attention. Understanding what to do in any given situation will stand you in good stead should the unexpected happen.
When in Doubt, Contact Mint Dental in Anchorage
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency of any type, don’t wait. Our expert team at Mint Dental is ready to help. As a full-service dentist here in Anchorage, AK, we provide same-day emergency appointments to get you out of pain, treat infections, and restore your smile. Call us now at (907) 646-8672 to schedule an emergency consultation!
