Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them—whether it’s a sudden toothache, a chipped tooth, or a knocked-out tooth. Knowing how to respond quickly can help ease pain, prevent further damage, and potentially save your tooth and prevent further injury. A dental emergency can be scary, but if you know what to do, you can handle the situation with the assistance of our team at Smile Boutique.
If you think you are experiencing a dental emergency, it’s essential to take the right steps. Here’s what you should do.
Assess the Situation and Call Your Dentist
The first thing to do is stay calm and determine the severity of the issue. Severe pain, bleeding, swelling, or a knocked-out tooth typically qualifies as an emergency. If you’re unsure, it’s best to call us, just in case. The important thing is not to wait it out. If you call us and explain your symptoms, we can talk you through what to do until you can come in for an appointment. We can also tell you if you should visit an urgent care center to help you manage pain or other symptoms until we can see you.
Manage the Pain and Bleeding
While waiting for your appointment, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (avoid aspirin if there’s bleeding as it’s a blood thinner). Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water. Even if the pain fades, the problem could still be severe, so don’t cancel your appointment just because you’re feeling better. Untreated dental issues can lead to infections or other complications.
Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth Properly
If a tooth gets knocked out, hold it by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently, and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it in milk, saliva, or water and get to a dentist right away. A knocked-out tooth can be saved if you act quickly. However, if you wait too long, the tooth will dry out and cannot reattach.
Take Care of Your Dental Emergency with Smile Boutique
No matter what kind of dental care you need, you can rely on Smile Boutique. From routine cleanings to dental emergencies, we can take care of it all. Next time you think you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call Smile Boutique!
