Whether you are in an emergency dental situation because of a broken tooth or a toothache that does not stop, a dental emergency most often comes with tremendous pain. In all cases you must visit a dentist as soon as possible.
Broken Or Cracked Tooth
If there is no bleeding and no pain, it is less of an emergency, but you still need a dentist’s appointment as soon as possible. If there is pain, you could take over-the-counter pain medications until you see the dentist.
Knocked Out Tooth
Rinse and save the tooth in milk or water along with the root to retain moisture so that a dentist or oral surgeon can reattach the teeth safely. Do not touch the root — hold the tooth by the crown. Rinse the mouth with water and try to stop the bleeding with ice until you get to the dentist’s office.
Dental Crown Comes Off
Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Save the crown so your dentist can check why it came off and try to reattach it. You can apply dental wax or adhesive cement from a drug store to temporarily reattach the fallen crown.
Swollen Mouth Or Face
Swelling usually indicates an abscess and infection in the gums, teeth, or bones. This is a serious condition and can even lead to strokes and death — it requires an urgent dental visit. Stay upright or in an inclined position so that the infection does not spread upwards. Drink lots of water and unsweetened drinks to maintain hydration.
Bleeding Teeth And/Or Gums
If bleeding is due to an injury, apply ice and try to stop the bleeding. If extremely severe and you suspect injury to jaws and other parts of the face, head to a hospital emergency room. If there is persistent but less bleeding, it could be due to infections and still requires an urgent dental visit.