Dental 911: What To Do If You Have A Dental Emergency

27 Nov 2023

Life has a way of throwing all sorts of surprises at you. Some of them work out, and some of them break your teeth. Literally. So what do you do when you suffer a dental emergency?

Luckily, you have a trusted emergency dentist like Dr. Bosse of Greenspoint Dental, that you can fall back on. Here are some guidelines for damage control until you can get in to see them.

TOOTHACHE

What can start as a dull, ignorable pain, a toothache can progress surprisingly fast and bring the sufferer inordinate amounts of discomfort.

A toothache is usually indicative of a dental issue that needs treatment like a cavity, infected tooth, cracked tooth, or dental abscess.

Call in to see your dentist immediately. Remember that leaving dental pain can lead to further tooth decay and even lead to you having your tooth extracted.
Apply a cold compress to your face if there is swelling.
Employ over-the-counter pain relievers to help with discomfort.
Rinse your mouth with warm water to cleanse it.

TOOTH FELL OUT

Most teeth that have fallen out are the result of some sort of blunt trauma. Common dental emergencies like a knocked-out tooth require quick thinking.

Be sure to check yourself for other complications (like a concussion), and get to the dentist immediately. In certain cases, the tooth can be saved.

Collect the lost tooth. Be careful to only touch the crown and not the root.
Place the tooth in a cup of milk.

BROKEN BRACKETS OR WIRES

If you’re someone who’s wearing braces then at some point during your treatment you may experience a misplaced or dislodged bracket or wire.

While this sort of emergency may cause only slight discomfort (you lose a bracket without even realizing!), it can also prevent you from eating and carrying on as you normally would.

If you have a wire that is poking you, apply orthodontic wax to protect your gums/cheeks, and call your dentist. Never try to cut the wire yourself.
If you have lost a bracket, place a small piece of wax to prevent any discomfort and call your orthodontist. If it’s a band you’ve lost, anticipate a necessary appointment to recement it.

A TRUSTED DENTIST IS THE GREATEST COMFORT DURING AN EMERGENCY

At Greenspoint Dental, we understand that dental emergencies don’t wait for convenient times. That’s why we go the extra mile to ensure your comfort and swift care. Whether it’s tooth pain that suddenly worsens or a dental accident, we’ll stay late or open early to make sure you’re comfortable again.

In most cases, when you call us with a dental emergency, we’re ready to schedule an appointment on the spot. If the situation occurs late at night, rest assured we’ll have you seen first thing in the morning. Our commitment is to provide quality emergency dental care promptly, so you’re not left in discomfort any longer than necessary.

At Greenspoint Dental, your dental health and comfort are our top priorities. We’re here to help you through any dental problems with the care and urgency you deserve. Call Dr. Bosse and experience the peace of mind that comes with expert, compassionate emergency dental care.