Recognizing the warning signs and seeking prompt treatment can prevent a dental emergency from worsening. Emergency dentists are available to provide care outside of regular office hours. A fractured tooth, a knocked-out tooth and injuries to the mouth or jaw require urgent dental care. Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses help, but the key is getting to a dentist open on Saturday as quickly as possible.

Common dental emergencies include: a painful tooth that won’t stop throbbing, cuts to your tongue, cheek or lips from sports injuries or accidents, or a broken denture. Many medical clinics also have dentists on staff to offer urgent care.

Dental Injuries

The dentist can evaluate the injury with digital X-rays, then stabilize it. A broken or chipped tooth may be treated with a filling, but if the damage extends below the gum line or causes root sensitivity and pain, an emergency crown or root canal may be needed. Injuries to the jaw can be life threatening, so an on-call oral and maxillofacial surgeon is essential for lacerations, alveolar fractures and avulsions (tooth loss).

If you have serious bleeding or severe pain in the mouth or jaw that cannot be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers, or if facial or jaw swelling interferes with breathing or swallowing, seek hospital care. Any infections requiring immediate treatment that could spread or become life-threatening should also be addressed at the hospital.

Toothaches

Tooth pain can be a sign of tooth decay, a cracked tooth or an infection. Sometimes, the pain may subside if you rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and take over-the-counter medications. However, if your pain persists for an extended period of time or is accompanied by swelling around the affected area, then it’s best to seek urgent dental care.

Emergency dentists can treat your pain by numbing the area, removing any debris stuck in between your teeth and disinfecting the affected area to discourage the growth of bacteria. In some cases, they can also offer tooth fillings to repair a damaged tooth.

It’s important to understand what constitutes a dental emergency so that you can seek immediate care when necessary. Recognizing when you need urgent dental care can help you avoid complications and keep your regular dentist happy.

Swollen Gums

Many people assume that swollen gums are normal, but they can indicate an infection or other serious problem that requires prompt attention. Swollen gums are usually caused by gingivitis or periodontitis, which can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Poor oral hygiene, pregnancy, and medication side effects can also cause swollen gums.

A person should contact their dentist if they have painful, swollen gums that last for more than a week. A dentist can provide a diagnosis and suggested treatment.

Taking over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help reduce pain and swelling in the mouth. Rinsing the mouth with salt water can also reduce bacteria and inflammation. People should also avoid eating hard or crunchy foods and brush their teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. They should also make sure they visit their dentist for routine cleanings and checkups. These steps will help prevent swollen gums and other dental emergencies. They can also help minimize the risk of an exposed nerve, which could require more extensive treatment.

Broken Teeth

Sometimes an accident causes dental injuries that require urgent care. A broken tooth, for example, is a serious emergency and requires immediate attention to avoid further damage and to manage pain and discomfort.

A fractured cusp occurs when a pointed or elevated section of a tooth breaks off, usually because of chewing on hard foods. It is a type of break that can cause pain and discomfort, as it exposes the dentin or pulp inside the tooth to bacteria and can trigger an infection.

If you have a broken tooth, rinse your mouth with salt water and apply a cold compress or ice pack to the area to control bleeding and reduce swelling. Use over-the-counter pain medication as directed until you see the dentist, and be sure to save any pieces of the tooth that may still be in place. Store them in a small container of milk or your saliva to preserve them until you can see the dentist for repair.