Maddeningly, dental emergencies can strike without warning. And when they make their unwelcome appearances, they can leave you in pain, anxious, maybe a bit frightened, and unsure of what to do next.
Let’s explore the telltale signs of when to seek emergency dental care, what to do while waiting to see an emergency dentist and common treatments that will relieve your discomfort and prevent further damage.
Knowing When to See an Emergency Dentist
Certain symptoms and situations call for immediate dental care. Here are some common dental emergencies that fit the bill:
- Severe tooth pain — Intense, throbbing, and unrelenting pain could indicate an infection, abscess, or nerve damage.
- Dental breakage or chipping — Whether from impact or biting down, a cracked or broken tooth will worsen — sometimes quickly — without prompt care.
- Knocked-out teeth — Loss of an adult tooth always calls for emergency care. Fortunately, careful and decisive action within an hour of the incident may help save the natural tooth.
- Swelling or abscess — Any swelling around the gums, especially accompanied by a fever, may be a sign of infection and must be addressed immediately.
Managing a Dental Emergency Before You See the Dentist
In a dental emergency, getting to the dentist as quickly as possible is priority #1. However, there are some steps you can take beforehand to manage the situation:
- In cases of intense and persistent tooth pain, a rinse with warm salt water and over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- If a tooth breaks, cover sharp edges with gauze, save and rinse any fragments you find, and bring them with you to the dentist.
- When a permanent tooth is knocked out, rinse the tooth gently without touching the root and try to place it back in its socket in the jaw or place it in a container of milk and bring it with you to the dentist.
- If bleeding occurs from the gums or tissue inside the mouth, rinse with clean water and apply gauze to the affected area with gentle pressure to stop the bleeding.
Timely and Compassionate Emergency Dental Care in Winston-Salem, NC
If you’re in Winston-Salem and need immediate dental care or simply want to be prepared just in case, contact Dr. Blake Nelson, DDS, and our caring and helpful team to schedule an appointment.
