Dental problems never seem to happen at a convenient time. When something goes wrong with your teeth, it can be hard to know whether you need to be seen right away or whether it can wait until your next appointment. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide.
Dental Emergencies That Need Prompt Care
Call your dentist as soon as possible if you experience any of the following:
- Severe or lasting tooth pain: A toothache that keeps you up at night or lasts more than a day or two often signals decay or infection.
- A knocked-out tooth: Acting quickly gives the tooth the best chance of being saved.
- A cracked or broken tooth: Cracks and breaks can expose the nerve and get worse without treatment.
- Swelling in your face or gums: Swelling, especially with fever or a bad taste, can mean an abscess or spreading infection.
- Bleeding that won’t stop after an injury or extraction.
- A lost filling or crown that leaves the tooth painful or sensitive.
When to Go to the Emergency Room
Some situations need immediate medical care. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you have swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, a possible broken jaw, or uncontrolled bleeding. The Mayo Clinic advises seeking urgent care when a dental infection is accompanied by fever and swelling, since the infection can spread.
Problems That Can Usually Wait
A small chip without pain, mild sensitivity, or a dull ache that comes and goes may not need same-day care, but you should still schedule an appointment soon. Small problems tend to become bigger, more expensive problems when they are ignored.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
For a knocked-out tooth:
Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with water without scrubbing. If possible, place it back in the socket and hold it in place, or keep it moist in milk. The American Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist as quickly as possible for the best chance of saving the tooth.
For a broken tooth:
Rinse with warm water, save any pieces, and apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling.
For a toothache:
Rinse with warm salt water, floss gently to remove trapped food, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Don’t place aspirin directly on your gums.
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
At Apple Dental of San Diego, our emergency dental care offers a consultation appointment within 24 hours on all business days. Depending on the problem, treatment may include a filling, root canal therapy, a porcelain crown, cracked tooth repair, or a gentle tooth extraction.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Wear a sports mouth guard during contact sports, use a night guard if you grind your teeth, avoid chewing ice or hard candy, and keep up with regular checkups so problems are caught early. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call (619) 236-9549 right away.