Dental Emergency Q & A

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is a situation in which you can’t wait for a routine appointment due to pain or tooth damage.

A severe toothache, particularly if you also have a fever, is likely to be a dental emergency, as is a broken tooth or one that’s come out of its socket.

Receiving prompt care when you have a dental emergency can make a significant difference in your risk of complications and tooth loss.

What should I do if my dental emergency is a damaged tooth?

If you crack a tooth or break a piece off, rinse your mouth out with warm water to wash away bacteria before they get a chance to infect the tooth. You can apply a cold compress to your face to reduce any swelling.

If there’s anything stuck in the tooth, don’t risk damaging the tooth further by poking the object or trying to hook it out. Unless it comes away easily with a piece of dental floss, it’s better to leave it be.

If you knock a permanent tooth out, try and pop it back into the socket if you can. If that’s not possible, place the tooth in your cheek, or put it in some milk. It’s vital to keep your tooth moist to give it the best chance to survive and enable Dr. Vasilev to successfully put the tooth back.

What should I do if my dental emergency is a severe toothache?

If you have a severe toothache, you could try rinsing your mouth with warm water and gently flossing the affected teeth to remove any debris or food particles. You can also take over-the-counter medication to control the worst of the pain, but avoid anything containing aspirin.

If your toothache is particularly severe, it could be an infection or abscess that requires urgent attention, so you should contact Arnica Dental for an emergency consultation.

What’s the best way to avoid a dental emergency?

Good oral hygiene and regular checkups at Arnica Dental are the best ways to avoid dental emergencies. You can also reduce your risk of tooth damage by:

• Always wearing a mouthguard when playing sports
• Not chewing things like hard candy or popcorn kernels
• Not using your teeth as a tool
• Not chewing ice cubes

If you have a dental emergency, Dr. Vasilev provides same-day appointments. Depending on the nature of your dental emergency, she also offers after-hours and weekend care.

To get help for your emergency dental needs, call Arnica Dental today or book an appointment online.