How to Care for a Dental Emergency Before Your Appointment

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect it, leaving you in pain, discomfort, and uncertainty. Knowing how to manage the situation before coming in for your appointment at Family Dental Group can make a significant difference in alleviating pain and preventing any complications in the future. 

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through practical steps to handle different types of dental emergencies and how to prepare for your appointment with us. If you need extra assistance along the way, Nikhil Lavana, DMD, Archana Karkhanis-Lavana, DMD, and our dedicated team are here to help.

Let’s get started! 

Immediate first aid for dental emergencies 

If you’re facing a sudden dental crisis, don’t panic. There are quick actions you can take to ease your discomfort. Here’s what you can do right away for the following emergencies: 

Toothache

Rinse your mouth with warm water and floss gently to remove any debris. If pain persists, consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers, but avoid placing aspirin directly on your gum as it can cause irritation. 

Knocked-out tooth 

Retrieve your tooth by holding the crown (the top), not the root. If your tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water and try reinserting it into the socket. If that’s not possible, store it in milk or saliva until you arrive at our office. 

Broken or chipped tooth

Make sure to save any of your broken tooth fragments. Rinse your mouth with warm water, and use a cold compress on the affected area to minimize any swelling. 

Temporary solutions until your dental appointment

If you’re looking for ways to hold yourself over until getting professional help, we’ve got you covered. Here are some temporary measures you can try in the meantime: 

Lost filling or crown 

To temporarily reattach a lost filling or crown, head to your nearest pharmacy and search for dental cement you can apply in the affected area. Please avoid using household glues or adhesives; these often do more harm than good. 

Cut or bite to your tongue, lip, or cheek 

Clean the injured area gently with water and apply a cold compress. Avoid using sharp objects or excessive force to prevent any further problems. 

Object caught between teeth 

First and foremost, try to remove the object with dental floss gently and carefully. Again, avoid using sharp objects to prevent injury.  

Preparing for your appointment 

As you can see, there are many ways you can make your transition to our dental office more seamless and less stressful during a dental emergency. Luckily, there are also a few key steps you can follow to help you get the most out of your treatment session: 

Document your symptoms 

We highly encourage you to take note of the moment when your dental emergency occurred and keep track of any symptoms you’ve experienced. This helps us understand the situation better to provide the proper care you need. 

Bring insurance and records 

Make sure you have your dental insurance information and any relevant medical records handy so we can make every step of the administration easier and more convenient for you. 

Communicate with us

Call our office ahead of time to inform us of your emergency and provide any details that can be used to help us prepare for your arrival and prioritize your case if necessary. 

In conclusion, we understand how stressful navigating a dental emergency can be. By taking prompt and appropriate action, you have the power to significantly impact your outcome. Remember, these temporary solutions are not substitutes for professional dental care but rather a helpful way to ease your stress and minimize your symptoms in the meantime. 

If you’re ready to learn more and get the help you need, schedule an appointment with Family Dental Group online at our Gardner, Northborough, or Paxton, Massachusetts office at the earliest opportunity!