Emergency Care

Types of Dental Emergencies and How to Address Them

1. Tooth Pain

Tooth pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, throbbing pain, and it’s often a sign that something is wrong. Common causes of tooth pain include cavities, infections, or trauma. Severe tooth pain should never be ignored, as it may indicate an infection in the tooth’s pulp or surrounding gum tissue, which can spread if left untreated.

What to Do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help reduce inflammation.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication, if necessary, but avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums.
• Avoid hot, cold, or sugary foods, as they may exacerbate the pain.
• Contact us right away for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

2. Traumatic Dental Injuries

Injuries from falls, sports accidents, or other physical trauma can cause broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth. Prompt treatment is crucial to save the tooth and prevent infection or additional damage.

What to Do:

• For a Knocked-Out Tooth: Carefully pick up the tooth by the crown (the part visible when in the mouth), rinse it gently if dirty, and try to place it back in its socket without forcing it. If that’s not possible, store it in milk or a tooth preservation kit and seek immediate care.
• For a Broken or Chipped Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and place a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling. If possible, save any broken pieces and bring them to your appointment.

3. Gum Emergencies

Gum emergencies can include injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth, infections, or painful swelling. Signs of gum infection often include redness, swelling, or the presence of an abscess, a painful pimple-like bump on the gums that can release pus.

What to Do:

• Rinse gently with warm salt water to reduce bacteria and ease swelling.
• Avoid chewing on the affected side.
• If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.
• Seek prompt dental care, especially if you notice severe pain, swelling, or an abscess.

4. Orthodontic Emergencies

Orthodontic appliances like braces can sometimes cause discomfort or injury, especially if wires or brackets break. Though orthodontic emergencies are rarely urgent, they can be painful or disruptive.

What to Do:

• If a wire is poking into your cheek or gum, try to move it gently using the eraser end of a pencil. Cover it with orthodontic wax if needed.
• If a bracket or band comes loose, save it if possible, and avoid hard or sticky foods.
• Schedule an appointment to address the issue and prevent additional damage or irritation.

How Shore Dental Solutions Handles Dental Emergencies

When you come to Shore Dental Solutions for an emergency, our team will prioritize your comfort and quickly assess the severity of your condition. Here’s what you can expect:

• Thorough Assessment: We’ll conduct an exam, and if needed, take X-rays to understand the root of the issue.
• Pain Relief: We’ll provide treatments to manage pain and reduce discomfort.
• Immediate Treatment or Stabilization: Whether it’s a filling, a temporary crown, a protective covering, or extraction, we’ll offer treatment to address the emergency.
• Customized Follow-Up Plan: For injuries or infections needing further care, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Preparing for a Dental Emergency

While some dental emergencies are unavoidable, you can reduce your risk by following a few preventive tips:

• Maintain regular dental checkups to catch potential issues early.
• Use mouthguards for sports or other high-risk activities to protect your teeth from trauma.
• Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or popcorn kernels, which can crack or chip teeth.