Accidents happen. As the very word accident implies, they seem to happen at the very least opportune times. That’s certainly the case with dental emergencies. When throbbing tooth pain occurs, or you have suffered some sort of dental trauma, you need to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible.

How do you know when you’re actually dealing with a dental emergency, or when it’s something that can wait? What can you treat at home, and what requires a visit to your Williamsville family dentist? In this article, the team at Kathleen Balthasar, DDS, will share what you need to know about emergency dental care and when to seek it out.

Common dental emergencies and when you need emergency dental care. 

As much as we don’t want it to be the case, dental emergencies are quite common. The American Dental Association suggests that each year, emergency departments handle approximately two million dental-related visits. And when the pain is so severe that a trip to the hospital or the local urgent care is in order, things must be bad.

Here is a list of what we consider as dental emergencies.

• Severe tooth pain: Tooth pain that’s intense, persistent, or suddenly worsens can signal an underlying issue, such as an infection or abscess. When pain disrupts daily activities, it’s time to seek emergency care.
• Swollen gums and tooth pain: Swelling along with pain may point to gum disease or a possible abscess. If swelling is extensive or accompanied by fever or discomfort, it’s best to contact your dentist promptly.
• Cracked or broken teeth: A cracked or broken tooth can be an emergency if it leaves sharp edges or exposes nerves. This can lead to pain, sensitivity, and an increased risk of infection, so it’s wise to address it quickly.
• Knocked-out tooth: If a tooth has been knocked out, immediate action can increase the chances of saving it. Keeping the tooth moist and contacting an emergency dentist right away can be essential for reattachment.
• Dental abscess: An abscessed tooth often causes swelling, fever, a foul taste, and throbbing pain. This type of infection can spread and become more severe, so it’s important to seek urgent treatment.
• Lost or loose dental fillings or crowns: A lost or loose filling or crown can leave the tooth exposed, leading to discomfort and potential infection. Seeking timely care can prevent further issues and restore comfort.

When to Wait and Schedule an Appointment

While the above situations are indeed dental emergencies that a dentist or qualified medical professional should evaluate, some dental aches and pains can wait. Here is when you can typically wait or place a call to your dentist’s office for an opinion, versus racing to your local urgent care.

• Minor toothaches: If the tooth pain is mild and doesn’t interfere with eating or sleeping, it may not need immediate attention. However, if the pain persists for more than a day or two, it’s best to schedule a checkup.
• Chipped teeth without pain: A small chip that doesn’t cause pain or sensitivity usually isn’t an emergency. Still, visiting the dentist soon is a good idea to prevent further damage.
• Mild sensitivity: If a tooth feels sensitive to hot or cold but isn’t painful, this could be a sign of a minor issue like enamel wear. You can typically wait to see your dentist at the next available appointment.
• Lost dental crown with no discomfort: If a crown falls out, but you’re not experiencing any pain, you may not need immediate care. Try to keep the crown in a safe place and contact your dentist to discuss the next steps.
• Food stuck between teeth causing irritation: When food particles are lodged between teeth, causing mild irritation, try flossing or rinsing with warm water. If irritation persists, a call to the dentist for advice may be helpful.

Steps to Take While Waiting for Emergency Dental Care 

If you think you need to seek treatment from an emergency dentist, there are a few things you should—and should not do—before you go. For example, one of the best home remedies to help ease tooth pain is to apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek where the pain persists. And just like you see on television, a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel works well for this, too. When you apply a cold treatment, it constricts your blood vessels and slows blood flow, helping to reduce your pain and discomfort.

Another option is to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen). Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s specifications on dosage and frequency, and note when you last took one of these medications so that you can accurately inform medical personnel.

Last but not least, you may find some comfort in a saltwater rinse. Mix half a teaspoon of salt with about eight ounces of water. Be sure to mix until fully dissolved. Then, swish some of the solution around in your mouth for 20 to 30 seconds, spitting out the mixture when done. Do not swallow the solution.

While the above methods can help temporarily relieve tooth pain, do not apply aspirin directly to your gums. And avoid unnecessary contact with the painful area.

How Kathleen Balthasar, DDS, Can Help

One of the best things you can do to prevent emergency dental care starts with good oral hygiene at home and regular visits to your dentist for an oral evaluation and professional dental cleaning. During your visits to your affordable dentist in Williamsville, we can assess the health of your teeth and gums. Many times, we can identify minor problems that could become emergency situations later on.

When you are experiencing throbbing tooth pain, tooth pain when biting, or just want a dental checkup, it’s time to request an appointment with your Williamsville family dentist. Request an appointment today.