When a toothache strikes, it can be one of the most painful experiences in life. While preventing dental emergencies with regular oral care is always the best practice, sometimes unexpected issues arise that require immediate attention from a dentist to minimize damage and pain. Recognizing the most common dental emergencies can help patients know when to seek emergency treatment, and what steps to take to alleviate symptoms.

The Most Common Dental Emergency

Toothaches are one of the most common reasons for an emergency trip to a Century Stone Dental office. Severe pain that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter medications is a clear sign to call a dentist immediately, as it may indicate an infection or other underlying problem. Similarly, severe bleeding from the mouth that doesn’t stop when applying pressure is also an emergency situation and requires immediate care from a dentist.

Another common dental emergency is a broken or chipped tooth, which can happen from biting down on something hard, trauma to the face, and even grinding your teeth at night. If a tooth is broken, it’s important to rinse the mouth gently with lukewarm water, use gauze or a tea bag to apply pressure and stop bleeding, and save any broken teeth shards in a glass of milk. The dentist can then evaluate the damage and repair it with bonding or dental crowns, depending on the extent of the break.

Infections that threaten the integrity of a tooth or its roots are another common dental emergency and also an indicator to call for emergency care. Symptoms of an infection include severe pain, swelling, fever, and bad breath. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can help ease pain and wash away bacteria until you can get to a dentist for treatment.

Soft tissue injuries to the lips, gums, tongue, cheek, or jaw are other types of dental emergencies that require immediate medical attention. Gently rinse the mouth with lukewarm water, apply pressure to control bleeding, and use a clean cloth or gauze to gently press on the wound until you can visit your dentist for treatment.

A knocked out tooth is another dental emergency that requires immediate treatment to preserve the root and avoid long-term damage. The most important thing to remember is not to panic and to call the dentist right away. The knocked out tooth should be placed back in its socket, if possible, and should be kept moist in a glass of milk to give it the best chance to reattach.

​​Century Stone Dental

684 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8M 1K5

Telephone: (905) 545-4833

centurystonedental.com

Email: info@centurystonedental.com