Maybe this just happened to you. You’re eating at a restaurant with friends when you bite down on a crispy veggie and feel a sharp pain. A part of your tooth just broke off, and your heart sinks. What should you do? This can be a rather stressful and sometimes painful experience. But knowing what to do next can make all the difference.
Here are some next steps for dental emergencies:
- Call Clarendon Family Dentistry at (703) 522-8894.
- Rinse your mouth out carefully with warm water.
- Use a cold compress to keep swelling in check.
- Save any teeth, restorations, or pieces that fall out.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
Let’s get into more detail about dental emergencies and the best actions to take if you experience one.
Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies are fairly common, and they come in different forms. Some of the most common ones we see at Clarendon Family Dentistry include:
- Knocked-out teeth, which is one of the most time-sensitive situations
- Severe toothaches, which may mean infection or decay
- Cracked or broken teeth, which are often caused by trauma or biting into hard foods
- A lost filling or crown, which leaves the tooth vulnerable
- Soft tissue injuries, meaning cuts to the lips, tongue, or cheeks
Each of these scenarios requires different immediate care. Next, we’ll talk about how you should handle your dental emergency.
Immediate Steps to Take
The first thing you can do, which may be the most important step, is to stay calm and act quickly. Take a few deep breaths. Pinpoint the issue you are having, and do the following accordingly.
For a:
Knocked-out tooth. Pick up your tooth by the crown (the visible part of the tooth) very carefully, but don’t touch the root if at all possible. Rinse it off gently, and try to put it back in your socket, if you’re able. If not, put it in milk, or hold it in your cheek. Get to the dentist ASAP! Time matters for this situation.
Severe toothache. You can take OTC pain medication if needed, and make an appointment with your dentist. Make sure you mention that pain is disrupting your sleep or daily life, if that’s the case.
Broken teeth. Rinse your mouth out, save the pieces and put them somewhere safe, use gauze to stop any bleeding, and apply a cold compress if your mouth is swelling.
Lost filling or crown. Collect the filling or crown if you can, try not to chew food on that side of your mouth, and call your dentist.
Soft tissue injuries. Stop the bleeding with gauze, use a cold compress for swelling, and ask your dentist for advice about the best next steps.
If you have an injury to your jaw, face, or neck, or you can’t get the bleeding to stop, go to the ER. For everything else, call your dentist as soon as possible to get guidance specific to your situation.
Let Us Help With Your Dental Emergency in Arlington, VA
Timing is important for dental emergencies. It can be difficult as your adrenaline is spiking, but try to stay calm and act as quickly as possible. Make yourself take a few deep breaths if you can. The sooner you are able to see your dentist, the better.
Clarendon Family Dentistry, Arlington’s trusted dental home since 1952, is ready and equipped to treat dental emergencies. You might even want to save our number now, just in case: (703) 522-8894. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency right now, don’t wait; call us right away.