What is a dental emergency?
In general, you should err on the side of caution and seek care immediately if you think you might have a dental emergency.
If anything in your mouth is bleeding, broken, or severely painful, you should come into Graceful Smiles Dentistry for an emergency dental appointment. In general, if there’s any problem that you can’t relieve or remedy at home, it’s best to let your dentist handle it.
Examples of dental emergencies include:
- Knocked-out or loose teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Toothaches
- Lost crowns or fillings
- Abscesses and infections
- Gum, lip, and tongue tears and cuts
- Objects stuck in teeth
Contact the office as soon as you notice a problem. Getting treatment right away, and knowing how to handle the emergency until then, might be the difference between losing or saving your tooth. The team at Graceful Smiles Dentistry is available to help.
How do I manage a dental emergency at home?
Of course, dental emergencies don’t happen at expected or convenient times, but being prepared is still possible. Though it’s not the same as professional care, knowing what to do at home can soothe your pain and protect endangered teeth until your appointment. Graceful Smiles Dentistry offers these guidelines for common dental emergencies:
- Keep knocked out teeth in milk or a saline solution if unable to put them back in the socket
- Never apply aspirin directly to your gums
- Apply gauze directly to the area if there’s bleeding
- Use cold compresses to control swelling
- If possible, try to remove caught food particles with floss
When you call Graceful Smiles Dentistry, a member of the practice team can provide advice on how to handle the emergency until you get to the office.
How do I prevent dental emergencies?
Dental emergencies aren’t always preventable, but certain habits can improve your dental health, protect you against emergencies, and lead to the best possible outcomes:
- Practice good dental hygiene, which includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and getting professional cleanings at least twice a year
- Schedule an appointment if you notice pain, injury, or damage to natural teeth or restorative work, even if it’s not currently an emergency
- Wear a mouthguard during sports and other recreational activities
- Avoid chewing on ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy
- Never chew on non-food objects, like pens or your fingernails
In the event of a dental emergency, call Graceful Smiles Dentistry. The team will see you as soon as possible. You may also use the convenient online booking tool to schedule your emergency appointment.
