Having a toothache, or blisters in the mouth or chipped tooth are painful but they are not considered dental emergencies. They can be discussed on your dentist’s next appointment. But if you find yourself bleeding profusely from your mouth calls for an emergency visit to the dentist. If you have severe pain in the tooth or gums which cannot be controlled by painkillers is considered an emergency. If you have very loose tooth because of a hit in the face or mouth is an emergency. When you feel any swelling in the mouth on the gums then consider it as an emergency.
When you find yourself in a dental emergency, the first thing to do is call your dentist. Most dentists keep some time safe for dental emergency patients. It is also advisable to keep the contact number of your dentist for after office hour contact.
When dental emergency strikes, it may not always be possible to see your dentist immediately. Sometimes you may be travelling or quite far away from your dentist. Try to reach your dentist as quickly as possible because in certain situation a gap of half an hour between your accident and seeing a dentist may be a lost tooth.
At such a time you should follow certain guidelines recommended by dentists.
Traumatised or knocked out tooth.
A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency which is in need of immediate attention. Follow appropriate actions and you may get your tooth reinstated. The first thing to do is pick up the fallen tooth by the crown, not the root. Roots should remain untouched because they are delicate. If you can avail of water, then rinse the tooth very gently to clean it. While handling it, be careful. Put a towel or wash cloth underneath while cleaning it with water. If you are washing it in the basin, put a cloth in the sink so that the tooth does not go down the drain if it slips.
You can try to put it back in its place. Hold it gently and place it in the socket from which it has been dislodged. Try to bite it down with gentle pressure.
If it is not possible to put it back in its socket, then hold it gently and put it in a small container. Preferably in milk. It stays live in a cup of milk. Carry the cup of milk to the dentist where he can reinstate it and revive the nerves.
If you can achieve all this with reaching the dentist as soon as possible, there is a good chance that you can get your tooth back reinstalled. The quicker you get it done the more chance of its reimplantation.
Loose and out of place tooth
During play, or sports, you may you find your tooth very loose with an impact on it from any hard surface, like a wall or the floor or any other hard object. If you find your tooth loose except when children are getting new teeth in place of old), you should call your dentist and ask to see him. Till you can see time, you must try to put the loose tooth back in its position. Hold it from above and try to put it back in its original position with your finger. Apply gentle pressure without forcing it. Bite down to keep the tooth in its place without moving it. Hold it in position with your dental pressure till you see your dentist.
Fractured teeth
Chipped teeth can wait till you see your dentist, but care should be taken to see that it is not chipped further. The dentist can smoothen the rough part and may repair it with resin composite material, giving it shape. Fractured tooth is a dental emergency and you should seek an immediate appointment with your dentist.
A fracture in the tooth is dangerous because not only the outside enamel but the inner tooth material, the pulp is also injured. Severe fractures are critical and the person may lose the tooth. When you find a fracture in your tooth, the first thing you do after calling the dentist is to clean your mouth with warm water. The fracture can be a result of impacted face. You can apply cold compress on your face to keep swelling in control. Do not apply painkiller to the gums because it may injure the gums. Take acetaminophen to reduce pain. Aspirin is a blood thinner. Do not take aspirin as it will cause further bleeding.
If you are near any medical facility, get an x ray done so that your dentist will see the place of injury and diagnose the condition of your teeth to determine if any inner tooth material is damaged. If pulp is damaged, then there will be a need to do root canal before putting a crown. If your dentist makes the crowns in his office, then he can put the new crown soon enough. Otherwise, he will put a temporary crown till the new crown gets made from the lab. The dentist will try everything to save your tooth but if it is not possible, he will suggest ways to replace the tooth. By reaching the dentist on time and taking care of your tooth, there are good chances that your tooth is saved. With proper care, at least you can stop further damage to your gums.
Facial pain due to tissue injuries
An injury in the mouth, be it the gums, the tongue or the roof of the mouth are considered dental emergencies. If you find bleeding, lacerations or puncture wounds in the mouth, call your dentist immediately. You need to clean the tissue injury in the mouth with warm water. If your tongue is bleeding, hold the tongue out and press the wound with a clean napkin or gauze. Get an emergency appointment in any hospital. Take acetaminophen as directed. Never take aspirin or ibuprofen because they are blood thinners and cause more bleeding.
Severe abscess in the mouth is a dental emergency. Call your dentist immediately for an appointment.
