A Guide to Dental Emergencies: What to Do and When to Seek Help

Of course, no one plans on experiencing a dental emergency, but, of course, dental emergencies can and do happen. That's why it's crucial to be prepared with a little at-home-dental-care know-how and the contact information for our emergency dentist at Grove City Smiles. 

How to Handle These Common Dental Emergencies

Broken Tooth

A chipped, fractured, or otherwise broken tooth can expose the interior pulp of the tooth to harmful bacteria, putting you at risk of infection. Delaying treatment can result in the need for a root canal or the loss of the tooth.

Although some chips can be minor, you shouldn't risk waiting to see a dentist. Chipped and broken teeth also tend to have exceptionally sharp edges that can seriously damage your soft tissues. 

In the meantime, you can protect your soft tissues with over-the-counter dental wax. 

Avulsed or Luxated Tooth

An avulsed (knocked out) or luxated (displaced) tooth is a dental emergency, and seeking treatment right away could save the tooth. 

If your tooth is knocked out, do not touch the roots or rinse it with water. If you can, replace the tooth in the socket. However, don't force it back in if the area is too swollen. If you can't put the tooth back where it belongs, hold it between your gums and cheek until you get to the dentist's office. 

If your tooth becomes shifted left, right, forward, or backward, leave it in place to avoid potentially causing additional damage and seek immediate medical attention. 

Lost Dental Crown or Filling

Dental crowns and fillings are there to protect vulnerable, weakened teeth from infection, decay, or fractures. When they're lost or feel loose, your tooth is exposed and at risk. You should seek immediate treatment. If your crown comes off, save the crown, if possible.

You can use over-the-counter dental cement to fill or cover your tooth for temporary protection. These over-the-counter products, however, are not fool-proof and are not a replacement for professional treatment. 

Abscess

An abscess is a sign of an advanced oral infection. Symptoms can include a bump in the mouth, oral swelling, oral pain, a tooth that feels raised or longer than usual, bite changes, fever, and, sometimes, visible pus. Oral infections are very serious, and they can be life-threatening when left untreated. 

An abscess typically requires draining and the use of antibiotics to clear the infection. You should seek immediate treatment with a dentist or emergency room. 

Injury

Injuries to the face, jaw, or mouth are considered dental emergencies. If you receive an impact or blow to the face, your jaw could be at risk of being fractured or broken, and this can be a serious problem that can lead to infection and other complications if unaddressed. Even if you are not experiencing painful symptoms after this type of injury, you should see a doctor or dentist for an x-ray to ensure your bones are unharmed. 

Post-Procedure Complications

Following oral surgery or tooth extractions, we provide patients with a list of potential complications (infection or dry socket) and their signs and symptoms. If you experience any complications following a more invasive dental procedure, this is a dental emergency. You should follow the discharge instructions you were given and contact our office for immediate treatment. 

When to Seek Immediate Treatment With a Walk-in Dentist

All of the above-listed situations are considered dental emergencies. Additionally, experiencing severe pain, severe or sudden swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or any signs of infection are emergency situations. 

If you aren't sure if you require immediate dental treatment, we always recommend erring on the side of caution and seeking medical help. We also welcome you to contact our dental office right away. We can talk with you about your symptoms, provide at-home treatment instructions, and help you determine whether or not you need to come to our office for an emergency appointment. 

We're Here for You! Emergency Dentist in Grove City, Ohio

Having a plan in place for your family's dental emergencies can help alleviate the stress of an otherwise stressful situation. Our team is here for you when you need us most. If you're searching for an "emergency dentist near me," search no further; our team at Grove City Smiles is ready and fully equipped to handle your dental emergency. Don’t hesitate to reach out or visit our website to learn more about our emergency services.