Dental emergencies can be alarming, even scary. Knowing how to handle them — and how not to — before you reach a dentist can make all the difference.
Whether it's a knocked-out tooth, a broken crown, or severe pain, taking the right steps can prevent further damage and ease discomfort. Here’s a breakdown of what you should and shouldn’t do when faced with a dental emergency.
Do: Control Bleeding and Swelling
In cases of oral bleeding, gently bite down on clean gauze or a damp tea bag to help control it. For swelling or pain, apply a cold compress to the affected area in 10- to 15-minute intervals to reduce inflammation and temporarily numb the discomfort.
Don’t: Use Aspirin Directly on the Gums
Aspirin is an effective pain reliever when taken orally. However, applying it directly to the gums can cause burns and worsen the situation. To avoid any risk, opt for over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen to help safely manage any discomfort.
Do: Try to Save a Knocked-Out Tooth
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, it might be saved! To increase the odds:
- Recover the tooth, handling it only by the crown (never the root).
- Without scrubbing, rinse it gently with water.
- Try to place it back into its socket in the jaw. If that’s impossible, store it in milk or your cheek (for moisture) until you can see a dentist.
- See a dentist! Immediately!
Don’t: Ignore a Severe Toothache
Tooth pain can signal an infection or decay that requires urgent attention. Until you can get to the dentist, gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and floss around the area to remove any trapped debris. Avoid placing hot or sugary substances near the affected tooth, both of which can aggravate pain.
Do: Contact a Dentist Immediately
Even if home remedies provide temporary relief, a dental emergency requires professional care. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of preventing complications.
Caring and Compassionate Emergency Dentistry Tazewell, VA
If you’re looking for an emergency dentist in Tazewell, VA, to help ensure effective, efficient, and empathetic care in the tense moments of a dental emergency, contact Dr. Ricky Alan May and the excellent team here at May, DDS, to schedule a consultation!