09
May
Four Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them
Try as we might, dental emergencies can still occur. Unfortunately, dental emergencies happen when you least expect them. Good news! Brentwood Dental Care provides emergency dentistry in Brentwood, California, to help you access dental care when needed. Whether it’s a toothache, broken tooth, or other emergency, Drs. Don Mungcal and Alyssa Hanel will ensure you receive timely and effective treatment.
Common dental emergencies
Dental emergencies can happen during a family dinner, a weekend sport, or late at night. Knowing what to do in those crucial moments can make all the difference in saving a tooth or preventing further damage. We’ve rounded up the most common dental emergencies—and how to manage them until you can get professional care.
1. Toothaches
A toothache can happen because of cavities, tooth infections, gum disease, and other reasons. Tooth pain can range from a dull ache to persistent pain that makes eating, sleeping, and concentrating a nightmare.
So, how do I deal with a toothache? Swish your mouth with warm salt water to soothe irritation. Floss gently in case something is stuck between your teeth. If the pain persists, take over-the-counter pain medication, but don’t place aspirin directly on your gums, as it can burn tissue.
Tooth pain is your body’s way of saying something is wrong—don’t ignore it. Seek professional care to get to the root of your pain. Several treatment options for toothaches include pain medication, fillings, root canals, and extractions.
2. Broken or cracked tooth
A tooth can break or crack from a sudden fall, a sharp blow, or even biting down on something too hard. While it might seem like a non-issue at first, a broken tooth can be pretty painful, and if ignored, it can invite infection and lead to bigger problems.
When you break your tooth, save any cracked pieces if you can. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area, and use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Take pain medications if the pain persists. Visit a dentist immediately for a filling, onlay, or crown repair.
3. Knocked-out tooth
Whether you have lost your tooth from a knock or a fall, you should visit your dentist within an hour for re-implantation. Anything less could lead to permanent tooth loss.
When your tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown (never hold the roots). Next, rinse the tooth to clean any debris and soak the tooth in a milk or saline solution. Alternatively, you could place the tooth between your lips and teeth.
If the knocked-out is viable, the dentist will try re-inserting it into its socket. If this fails, we recommend replacing the tooth with a dental implant or bridge.
4. Lost filling or crown
Although your filling or crown won’t last forever, losing it prematurely could expose the underlying tooth to further infections. If a crown falls out, try to slip it back into place using over-the-counter dental cement or denture adhesive as a temporary fix. If not, carry the restoration to your Brentwood emergency dentist. For a lost filling, cover the area with sugar-free gum or dental wax to protect the exposed tooth.
Meet your Brentwood emergency dentist today!
Waiting isn’t an option when you have a dental emergency in the Brentwood area. Instead, call (310) 444-9900 or email info@brentwooddentalcare.net to schedule an emergency dental care appointment with Brentwood Dental Care. We’ll relieve pain and protect your smile from further complications.