Emergency Dental Care: What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly—whether from an accident, trauma, or sudden pain. When you’re in urgent need of an emergency dentist, waiting even 30 minutes can feel too long. Here’s what you should know and do before arriving at our office to help ensure the best possible outcome.

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Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth: What You Should Do Immediately

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, act fast:
– Handle the tooth by the crown only—**never touch the root**.
– Rinse the tooth gently without scrubbing or removing attached tissue.
– Place it in a container of **milk** (best) or saliva.
– If possible, gently return the tooth to its socket and **bite down softly** to hold it in place.

Call us immediately for an **emergency dental appointment**. Time is critical in saving a tooth.

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Cracked, Fractured, or Chipped Tooth

– **Chipped teeth** usually aren’t urgent unless the damage worsens. We may smooth or fill it during a regular appointment.
– A **cracked or broken tooth** is more serious. It often indicates internal damage that could lead to tooth loss.

**What to do for a broken or cracked tooth:**

• Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Take **acetaminophen** for pain. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen as they may increase bleeding.
• Never place painkillers directly on the gums.

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Facial Injuries and Oral Tissue Damage

Dental emergencies include more than just teeth. Lacerations, puncture wounds, and tears to the **tongue, lips, cheeks, or gums** also qualify.

If bleeding is present:

* Clean the area with warm water.
* Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze to stop bleeding.
* Use **acetaminophen**, not aspirin or ibuprofen, for pain relief.

Call us right away for professional care of oral soft tissue injuries.

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How to Know If You Have a Dental Emergency

Not all dental issues are emergencies. Here’s when you should seek **immediate dental attention**:

• Severe oral or facial pain
• Excessive bleeding from the mouth
• Trauma to the face, jaw, or teeth
• Swelling in the mouth, face, or jaw area
• Lumps, bulges, or knots in the gums

Symptoms like pain when biting, breathing through your mouth, or eating hot/cold food may signal an **abscess**. Contact us even if pain is intermittent—we’ll guide you on whether it’s urgent.

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How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Regular checkups are key. We can detect problems like **tooth decay or gum disease** before they become emergencies.

**Tips to avoid dental emergencies:**

* Schedule dental visits before traveling.
* Use a **mouthguard** during sports or physical activity.
* Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or using your teeth to open packages.

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Essential Items for a Dental First Aid Kit

Prepare a small **dental emergency kit** at home that includes:
– A clean container with a lid (for knocked-out teeth)
– Gauze pads
– Acetaminophen (not aspirin)
– A clean handkerchief or cloth
– Our **emergency dental phone number**

Keep the kit easily accessible and label it “Dental First Aid Kit.” In a dental emergency, calling us is your most important step. We prioritize all urgent cases and ensure you’re seen promptly.

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Call Our Emergency Dentist Anytime

Dental pain or trauma can’t wait. Our team is ready to assist you 24/7. If your dental health is at risk, **contact us immediately**. Following these steps can help save your tooth, reduce pain, and restore your smile faster.

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