What to do when a toothache hits you at 2 AM?
Dental emergencies don’t care when it is convenient for you. Dental emergencies could happen when you’re on holiday, or when your dentist is on holiday, or when you’re in the middle of a meeting.
Let’s put things in perspective.
As per recent data, 40% of people experienced pain in their mouths within the last 12 months.
In most cases, people are often in a state of dilemma on how to handle dental emergencies.
This confusion often leads to more panic and worse decisions, and sometimes they ignore it hoping that it will just go away.
But the problem with that?
Ignoring dental emergencies will only lead to more complications that are very much preventable.
So, what can you do?
To take charge and save yourself from all that unnecessary pain and complication, you’ve got to know what to do for the most common dental emergencies.
When you have a dental crisis that requires urgent care, don’t hesitate to call an emergency dentist because you will receive the appropriate care you need in your time of need.
Emergency dental care exists for this exact reason to handle these situations when every second counts.
What you’ll discover:
- Recognizing True Dental Emergencies
- How to Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth
- Managing Severe Toothache Pain
- Dealing with Broken or Chipped Teeth
- When to Rush to the Emergency Room
The Reality of Dental Emergencies
Do you know something that could really leave you in shock?
There are approximately 2 million emergency department visits every year to the emergency departments because of dental pain.
This is the equivalent of over 5,400 visits per day from people who need emergency treatment for their dental problem.
But here’s the truth…
The most times people should have just booked a visit to a dental office (and a whole lot cheaper! ).
An emergency room visit for dental pain can cost you an average of $400 and up to $1,500 compared to only between $90 and $200 in a dentist’s office.
Knowing what to do about dental emergencies is not only about having the best form of treatment but also about preventing you from losing thousands of dollars and getting avoidable complications.
Knocked-Out Tooth: Every Second Counts
A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency and this one is extremely time sensitive.
Here’s what you should know:
The success rate for reattaching a tooth that has been knocked out drops significantly with each passing minute. You need to get to a dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
What you need to do right away:
- Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (not the root)
- Rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty
- Try to put it back in the socket
- If you can’t, keep it moist in milk or saliva
- Go to the dentist immediately
Don’t make these mistakes:
Don’t scrub the tooth, wrap it in tissue, or let it dry out. This damages the cells that are needed to reattach the tooth.
Acting fast is the most important thing here. Don’t waste time.
Severe Toothache: When Pain Becomes Unbearable
It’s hard to believe but toothaches are some of the most common dental emergencies…
And they also happen to be one of the most painful dental issues you will have to deal with.
The constant throbbing pain can make it very difficult to sleep or focus on anything else.
Here’s how to manage it:
- Take over-the-counter pain meds. Ibuprofen works well because it not only fights pain but inflammation as well. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15-20 minutes at a time. This will help numb the pain and reduce swelling.
- Do not apply heat to the area. Heat increases infection and pain. You should also avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums. This can cause chemical burns.
- Rinse with warm salt water to reduce bacteria and get some temporary relief. Mix half a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water.
Important: If you have facial swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing, you may have a serious infection that needs immediate medical attention.
Broken or Chipped Teeth: Protecting What’s Left
We all know how easily teeth can break or chip off…
Whether it’s from biting down on something hard, getting hit during sports, or just regular wear and tear, a damaged tooth needs to be taken care of immediately to prevent further damage.
Minor chips:
Save any broken pieces you find. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. You can also cover the sharp edge with dental wax or sugar-free gum.
Major breaks:
This is more serious. If the break is bad and you’re in a lot of pain, you might have nerve damage. Rinse with warm water, take pain medication, and see a dentist as soon as possible.
Pro tip: Avoid chewing on the affected side and stick to soft foods until you can get treatment.
Dental Abscesses: The Silent Danger
Did you know that you have to treat this dental problem as an emergency?
Dental abscesses if left untreated are very dangerous and can turn fatal.
These infections can get to your brain, heart, and other organs and in serious cases, this infection will kill you.
Here are the symptoms to help you diagnose a dental abscess:
- Severe, persistent toothache
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Swelling in your face or cheek
- Tender lymph nodes
- Fever
- Foul taste in your mouth
What to do:
It is an absolute no-brainer here. Get medical attention immediately. Rinse with salt water for temporary relief, but go to the dentist or an emergency room immediately.
You will most likely need antibiotics to stop the infection, but only a doctor can prescribe them.
When Emergency Rooms Can’t Help
As surprising as it may sound…
The emergency rooms are not prepared to offer definitive dental care.
An ER can prescribe you pain medications and antibiotics for any infection that you may have, but they will most likely not be able to offer any other treatment you might need like a filling or crown.
Emergency rooms are for:
- Facial trauma with significant bleeding
- Suspected jaw fractures
- Severe infections with facial swelling
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
For most other dental emergencies, it would be best if you:
- Call an emergency dental service
- Visit an urgent care center that offers dental services
- Manage the pain at home till you can get to see your regular dentist
Prevention: Your Best Defense
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.
This might be the best way to handle dental emergencies.
Regular checkups and visits to your dentist can detect any issues before they become something worse.
Also, avoid sports without a mouthguard, never use your teeth as tools, and maintain a very high standard of oral hygiene.
When they do occur, knowing how to deal with them as soon as they occur can make a lot of difference between saving a tooth or losing it forever.
Taking Action When It Matters
Dental emergencies can be very stressful, painful, and expensive.
But with a bit of knowledge and the right approach, you can greatly reduce the impact and get the proper care you need.
Time is of the essence in most dental emergencies.
Don’t sit and wait, hoping the problem will go away. Take action immediately to prevent any further damage to your oral health and avoid serious and often life-threatening complications.
The best way is to be prepared.
Know what to do in advance, so when the time comes when you need to act, you can take immediate action.
