What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Medical emergencies are always scary. With dental emergencies, such as having a knocked-out tooth or a chipped tooth, you may think, “My smile will never be the same.” Don’t worry! if you have any type of dental emergency: knocked-out teeth; chipped teeth; severe tooth pain; broken, loose, or missing filling, or anything in between, give us a call right away. Our team can assess the situation and handle your case promptly so you can find relief.

At-Home Care Tips for Dental Emergencies

Depending on the type of emergency you have, there are different things you can do at home to ease the pain and prevent further damage while you are waiting to get to an emergency dentist.

• If you have a tooth that has been knocked out, put it in a glass of milk before you can get to us. Be careful when handling the tooth and don’t touch the root, as this can spread bacteria to the part of the tooth that is inserted back into the gum. Instead, hold the tooth by the crown (the top part of the tooth) and if possible, wear gloves or use a tissue.
• If you are experiencing bleeding or swelling, use a cold compress to reduce the swelling, slow down the bleeding, and ease or numb irritation or pain.
• Dissolve a teaspoon of kosher salt in some boiling water. As the water cools down to a warm temperature, swish it around your mouth. Make sure the water is not too hot, and this will relieve any swelling or irritation you might feel.

The most important step to take in a dental emergency is to see a qualified dentist right away. At Denton Oak Dentistry, we have experience in handling all types of dental emergencies, and we are ready to take care of you when you call. Don’t panic, stay calm, and contact us right away if you have a dental emergency!