What is considered a dental emergency?

Experiencing a dental emergency can be frightening for most people. But how can you know if what is happening is in need of immediate attention? In this post, our Clarenville dentists talk about what might be considered a dental emergency and what some of the most commonly seen types are.

So what issues are considered a dental emergency?

If you have any dental concern that seems to require immediate care from a dental professional then you are likely experiencing a dental emergency. Many of us will experience a dental emergency at some point in our lives, whether from a sports injury, chipped tooth, severe toothache or something else.

Here we share some of the commonly seen dental emergencies and what you can do for each one.

Unmanageable Toothaches

Severe toothaches can come on suddenly or gradually and can result in sharp or throbbing pain. If you have a severe toothache you are unable to manage with over-the-counter pain medication (such as ibuprofen), you’ve got a dental emergency.

If this happens you should find some ice to apply to the area and call your dentist to schedule an appointment.

Something Stuck in Your Teeth

If you get an object or debris stuck in between your teeth then you should try to release it using dental floss. If you are unsuccessful then you should call your dentist to allow them to safely remove the object. Do not use a sharp object to try and dislodge it, as you could injure your gums or push it further between your teeth.

Dislodged / Knocked Out Teeth

If you can find the tooth and get to your dentist's office within an hour then they may be able to replace your tooth allowing you to save it.

Try and locate your tooth, and without touching the roots, rinse it off with water (do not use soap or chemicals), and put it back in the socket. If you are unable to place it in the socket, hold it on your cheek or place it in a container of milk.

A lost tooth is considered an urgent dental emergency, so get to your dentist’s office right away.

Misplaced Crowns or Dental Fillings

If you lose a crown or filling, the tooth structure may be weakened as a result of the tooth’s interior becoming exposed. It can also be quite painful and sensitive. That’s why a missing filling is a dental emergency, and your dentist should repair it as soon as possible so that it can be replaced.

Broken / Damaged Teeth

Chipped or broken teeth can be repaired and saved in many cases. A small fracture can usually be repaired with a filling and more substantial breaks with a crown or root canal. If you have broken or chipped a tooth, make an appointment with your dentist to have it repaired as soon as you can.

Excessively Bleeding Lip or Tongue

If an injury to the inside of your mouth results in a laceration to your lip or tongue, this is considered a dental emergency. You can use a clean cloth to quell the bleeding. For any swelling, apply a cold ice pack to the area and seek treatment right away.

Dental emergencies are sometimes recognizable right away, and sometimes not. Please reach out to our dental team if you have any questions at all.