How to Handle a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and being prepared can make all the difference. Whether it’s a sudden toothache or a knocked-out tooth, knowing what to do is crucial. At Dental Smiles in Austin, TX, Dr. Divya Shetty and Dr. Anna Okulist share their top tips on handling a dental emergency with a level head:

Toothache Troubles

Toothaches can be a real pain, literally. They often signal an underlying issue like decay, an infection, or a crack. If you’re battling a toothache:

1. Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep things clean.

2. Gently floss to dislodge any sneaky food particles.

3. Apply a cold compress to your cheek to keep swelling in check.

4. Steer clear of placing aspirin directly on the aching tooth—it can burn your gum tissue!

If the pain refuses to budge, give us a call at Dental Smiles as soon as possible.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Losing a tooth unexpectedly can make anyone panic, but swift action is your best ally:

1. Handle the tooth by the crown (the top part), not the root.

2. If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with water—no scrubbing or removing any attached tissue fragments.

3. Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket if you can. If that’s a no-go, pop it in a container of milk or saline solution.

Head to Dental Smiles within an hour for the best chance of saving that tooth.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

Breaking or chipping a tooth can feel like a real bummer:

1. Save any pieces you find.

2. Rinse your mouth with warm water.

3. Apply gauze to any bleeding area for about 10 minutes or until it stops.

4. Use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth, cheek, or lip near the broken/chipped tooth to keep swelling down.

Get in touch with our office as soon as possible to fix the damage and get your smile back on track.

Lost Filling or Crown

Losing a filling or crown might seem like the end of the world, but it’s fixable:

1. If you can, keep the crown and bring it with you to your appointment.

2. Dab a little clove oil or Orajel on the sensitive area with a cotton swab to ease the pain.

3. Use temporary dental cement or a petroleum jelly to temporarily reattach the crown or cover the cavity. No super glue!

Book a visit to Dental Smiles to get it fixed for good.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Injuries to your tongue, cheeks, gums, or lips can be messy:

1. Clean the area with warm water.

2. Apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding.

3. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and bleeding.

If the bleeding won’t quit after 15 minutes, it’s time to seek professional help ASAP.

Emergency Dentistry in Austin, Tx

Handling a dental emergency with a cool head can save your teeth and spare you from further complications. Dr. Divya Shetty and Dr. Anna Okulist and the team at Dental Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Austin, TX, are ready to provide expert care when you need it most. Don’t hesitate to reach out for any dental emergencies or to schedule a routine check-up to keep your oral health in tip-top shape.

Categorized in: Emergency Dentistry