Emergency Dental Problems and What To Do If They Happen

Apr 15th, 2015
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

If you have ever accidentally chipped a tooth or felt the pain of a wisdom tooth then you know how uncomfortable it can be to wait for the dentist office to open the next morning while you’re left with a swollen jaw. Let’s face it, emergencies are never on our timeline, that’s why when one hits you’ve got to be prepared. At Easton Dentists we provide extended business hours for urgent dental care. Our emergency dentists and dental insurance suggestions are just a phone call away.

So what is a dental emergency, and what should be done when one happens?

1. You Chipped or Knocked out a Tooth
Stay calm. While it doesn’t always feel easy to do so after losing or chipping a tooth, keep yourself under control and calmly try to locate the missing tooth. Call or visit a dentist immediately. The sooner you can get your tooth into a dentist office, the more likely it will be to take root again. If there is any bleeding, have some tissue or gauze handy to bite down on.

2. Swollen gums around Wisdom Tooth
While wisdom teeth are likely to cause discomfort when growing in, intense swelling and pain may be associated with an infection or abscess and should be looked at by your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, swish salt water in your mouth after eating and drinking to clean the potentially infected area.

3. Broken Fillings
The loss of a filling is uncomfortable, and sometimes painful due to sharp edges around your teeth. Especially when you are trying to eat or drink. Breaking a filling is a common dental emergency and may even make your mouth feel hypersensitive. Take an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen to ease the sensitivity until you can get to your dentist, but never rub Advil or Aspirin directly to the area as it can burn your gum tissue.

4. Pain when Whitening Teeth
While this doesn’t exactly fall under an “emergency”, pain associated with at-home teeth whitening kits can be uncomfortable, and to some – unbearable. If you are experiencing this common trouble with whitening your teeth, desist using the product and make an appointment with your dentist to discuss why you may be experience this discomfort.

To discuss any emergency dental procedures, contact Easton Dentist at (614) 414-0111.

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