What Should I Do if I Have a Dental Emergency?

Our teeth go through a lot. We rely on them to chew our food and sometimes this can be a bit too much, especially if we do not exercise proper dental care. We could suffer pain, bleeding, or other issues outside the typical dentist’s office hours, and then what? What do we do if we have an emergency outside of office hours?

There is no need to panic. Some issues can wait until the dentist’s office opens. In some cases, you can remedy the situation at home. However, there are situations that require immediate medical care.

How do you know if you have an emergency? What should you do if you do have one? Follow this guide to understand the steps to take.

What is a Dental Emergency?

First, it is important to understand what constitutes a dental emergency. Some issues can be life-threatening, such as:

• Uncontrollable bleeding. Whether this is from trauma, an accident, or a health condition, don’t delay medical treatment.
• Infections. An infection, coupled with swelling, can spread to soft tissues and cause breathing issues. If a tooth or gums don’t look right, seek immediate medical care.
• Facial trauma. If you have broken bones in your jaw or face, your airway could be affected, causing breathing problems.

Some other urgent issues include:

• Severe tooth pain
• Abscesses causing pain and localized swelling
• Objects caught under the gums or between teeth
• Tooth chips or fractures
• Loose, displaced, or lost teeth
• Orthodontic wires or other dental appliances cutting into the cheeks or gums

Steps to Take

If you have a dental issue, the first thing you should do is contact your dentist. They can give you advice on what to do. You may be directed to do some at-home remedies, which could include the following:

• For a toothache. A toothache can be caused by many things, such as decay, gum disease, or simply something stuck in between your teeth. You can try rinsing your mouth with salt water and taking ibuprofen for the pain. You can also use floss to get between the teeth and remove any stuck particles.
• For tooth trauma. If a tooth is pushed out of place or removed from the socket completely, you need to act quickly. If the tooth comes out, try to place it back in the socket. If you can’t, put it in milk or keep it in your mouth, if possible. Try to see a dentist within an hour (30 minutes is preferable).
• For bites and cuts. Most bites and cuts will stop bleeding on their own. Wash out your mouth with salt water and put a cold compress on the affected area. If the bleeding won’t stop, get to the emergency room.

Contact Comprehensive Dentistry Today

Comprehensive Dentistry has been providing families with high-quality dental services since 2006. Our team provides top-notch customer service and quality care. See how well we take care of you and your family, whether it be during or outside of office hours. Contact our dental office in Ypsilanti today by calling (734) 480-0033 or filling out the online form.