When to See an Emergency Dentist: Recognizing Dental Emergencies

Most of us spend little time thinking about our teeth and gums. As long as we brush, floss, and get regular preventive teeth cleanings, there’s nothing to worry about, right? While that’s generally true, problems can arise. 

Take dental emergencies, for instance. If you damage a permanent tooth or develop a severe toothache, seeking professional help as soon as possible is crucial. Waiting too long increases the risk of complications and can have a lasting impact on your oral health.

At Family Dental Group, our experienced team specializes in diagnosing and treating dental emergencies. Here, we explain how to recognize them and provide step-by-step instructions for what to do if you or a loved one need emergency dental care.

What is considered a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is an oral health problem that requires same-day attention. Common dental emergencies include:

• Severe toothache
• Knocked-out permanent tooth
• Severely cracked tooth
• Partially dislodged (loose) permanent tooth
• Dental abscesses (face and/or jaw swelling)
• Severe soft tissue injury (for example, lacerations to the lips, gums, or tongue)

Sometimes, dental emergencies involve restorations. For example, if you have a dislodged dental crown or a broken dental implant, it needs to be repaired quickly. 

What should I do if I have a dental emergency?

You must act quickly if you experience a dental emergency. Receiving treatment within an hour of your first symptoms could mean the difference between saving and losing a permanent tooth.

First, take a few deep breaths and try to stay calm. We regularly make time for same-day emergency dental appointments, so if the accident or injury occurs during normal business hours, call our support staff or walk into the nearest office. Conversely, if you need emergency dental care at night or on a weekend, visit your nearest urgent care facility or emergency room.

How to manage dental emergencies until you see a dentist

Best practices for managing dental emergencies depend on the problem you experience. Here are our recommendations for three of the most common issues:

1. Severe toothache

If you experience a severe toothache, take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Next, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and apply an ice pack or cold compress to the cheek nearest the source of pain. A bag of frozen vegetables is also an option; just be sure to wrap it in a towel or washcloth first, so it doesn’t burn the skin on your cheek. Then call us.

2. Knocked-out permanent tooth

Gently pick up your tooth by the crown (the portion that sits above the gumline) and rinse off any dirt and debris with cool tap water. Next, place the tooth back into its socket and call us immediately. If your tooth won’t stay in the socket, put it in a small glass of milk or glass of tap water with a pinch of table salt. The sooner you make it to the office, the greater our chances of saving your tooth.

3. Lost or broken dental restoration

Dental restorations, like crowns and fillings, wear down and weaken over time. If your dental crown or bridge breaks while you’re chewing or playing sports, collect all the pieces and place them in a plastic bag or wrap them in foil. Then, call us so we can get you in, make the necessary repairs, and prevent further damage.

What can I expect at an emergency dentistry appointment?

Our caring, compassionate team treats dental emergencies using a personalized, patient-centered approach.  When you arrive at the office, we complete a comprehensive emergency evaluation, including an oral exam and dental X-rays. 

Most dental emergencies are treated on the same day. But your dentist might schedule several additional visits if you need a new dental restoration or a more complex procedure, like a root canal. Our goal is to address the problem as quickly as possible, relieving pain and ensuring good oral health for years to come. 

Contact Family Dental Group today if you or a loved one need emergency dental care. Call the nearest office in Gardner, Northborough, or Paxton, Massachusetts, or book your appointment online.