5 Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them

Dental emergencies can happen at any time and without any warning. Knowing how to react promptly in such situations can save you from unnecessary discomfort. Irvington Dental offers emergency dentistry in Streamwood, Illinois, and its environs to help you find prompt treatment. Whether you have a knocked-out tooth or an excruciating toothache, schedule an appointment with Drs. Joon Han and Jae Yeon Choi for pain relief.

Managing dental emergencies

Dental emergencies can be scary, but when you are well-prepared, you can prevent long-term damage. Do you know how to deal with dental emergencies at home? If not, buckle up and prepare for a crash course in handling dental emergencies like a pro.

#1 Toothaches

Tooth pain is a common reason why many patients seek emergency dental care. Toothaches can be caused by many factors, including tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth damage. When you experience tooth pain, you should seek professional help to manage the pain and prevent further damage.

Until you get help, you can observe the following tips to manage your symptoms.

• Gargle your mouth with warm, salty water. 
• Use a cold compress to manage any swelling.
• Use over-the-counter painkillers, but avoid aspirin if you have an abscessed tooth.
• Lie down with the head elevated.
• You can use clove oil or hydrogen peroxide to manage pain while waiting to see your dentist.
  

#2 Knocked-out tooth

Tooth avulsion typically occurs from knocks, falls, blows to the face, and vehicular accidents. A knocked-out tooth can be a nasty experience, but your tooth can be saved when you act fast.

• Pick your tooth up by holding it by the crown (avoid touching the roots).
• Rinse any dirt off the tooth, but avoid scrubbing any fragments.
• If possible, try inserting it back into the socket. However, if this isn’t possible, store the tooth in a container with milk or the front of your mouth, between the lips and gums.
• Schedule an appointment with a dentist within one hour for emergency restoration.
  

#3 Broken or fractured tooth

Tooth fractures can happen because of trauma, decay, or biting on a hard object. A chipped tooth can be painful and scary, but you can make the best of your situation by observing the tips below.

• Rinse your mouth with warm, salty water.
• Save any tooth pieces and carry them to your dentist in a container with milk or saliva.
• Apply a gauze pad to stop bleeding.
• Use a cold compress on the side of the cracked tooth to manage pain and swelling.
  

#4 Lost filling or crown

Although your dental crown or fillings are meant to last many years, sometimes they can become loose or fall out when you least expect it. When you lose your restoration, the tooth underneath becomes painful and sensitive to cold and hot drinks.

Rinse your mouth with warm, salty water, and cover the afflicted tooth with dental cement available in most drugstores. You can use over-the-counter painkillers to manage pain as you wait to see the dentist.

#5 Abscessed tooth

Do you spot a pimple-like swelling on your gums? A dental infection or abscess is a dental situation that requires immediate attention. Rinse your mouth with salty water and visit an emergency dentist immediately.

Schedule a dental emergency today!

If you experience a dental emergency in Streamwood, IL, don’t wait until the matter gets out of hand. Call (331) 245-2969 to schedule an emergency appointment with Irvington Dental.

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