Dental emergencies can be distressing and painful, and it is important to recognize their signs so that you can seek immediate dental care when necessary. A dental emergency is any dental problem that requires immediate treatment to alleviate severe pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. There are several indicators of a dental emergency, and being aware of these signs can help you avoid further complications. Emergency dental treatment is often needed for situations like:

• A tooth was knocked out
• A tooth was broken
• A jawbone was broken
• Significant oral bleeding
• Intense tooth pain
• Infection with severe pain, swelling, or pus
• Severely bitten tongue
• Trauma that interferes with breathing or swallowing such as swelling

Not all dental issues are emergencies. There are many issues that need to be looked at urgently but may not be an emergency. Some of these dental issues are:

• A lost filling
• Localized abscesses
• A dry socket
• Jawbone pain that is not related to a fracture
• Puffy or bleeding gums
• A loose tooth

Dental emergencies should be treated as soon as possible. However, there are steps that should be taken before taking your young one to the dentist office in the event of an emergency.

If you chip or break a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water immediately to clean it. Apply pressure to stop bleeding and place a cold compress on the area to reduce swelling. If you are able to locate the piece of the broken tooth, wrap it in something like wet gauze to bring with you to the dentist.

Continue to flush the inside of your mouth with warm water and continue applying the cold compress to your mouth to reduce swelling until you see the dentist. You may also take anti-inflammatories, however, do not exceed the recommended dose. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the damaged tooth is located.

The teeth that most commonly break are molars of the lower jaw. Some broken teeth may result in only a minor cosmetic injury. Others can result in cracks that run to the root or from the center of the tooth to the nerves and blood vessels. Generally, the deeper and wider the damage, the more treatment needed. If your tooth is chipped or broken, call your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an emergency visit. 

Having a tooth knocked out can be an unfortunate yet common dental emergency among children. Children are active and accidents can happen. When they do, it is important to take the proper steps to address your child’s dental emergency. 

It is important for your child to be seen by his or her dentist when a tooth is knocked out. This is the case even if you have a small child or baby. While your dentist will not reimplant the baby tooth, you will want to be sure that your child has not suffered additional injury to his or her mouth. 

When your child has a tooth knocked out, touching the root can interfere with reimplantation if it is an option. Therefore, be sure to touch the tooth on the biting surface. Wash the tooth quickly with water if it becomes dirty and place it back in the socket as soon as possible. If the tooth cannot be placed back in the socket, put it in a cup of milk and call the dentist. You should only go to the emergency room if your dentist is not available. Acting quickly is extremely important. The longer you wait to see the dentist, the less likely reimplantation will be successful.

Most of us at one point or another in our lives will have a toothache. Whether or not you will need emergency care as the result of a toothache depends on the underlying cause of the pain. The pain of a toothache is often proportional to the severity of the issue that is causing the pain. For example, tooth decay or infected teeth might require emergency care. Some symptoms to look for are:

• A swollen jaw: Swelling in the neck and jaw area could be an indication that you have an infection in your mouth that is beginning to spread to other parts of your body. This could be a serious issue that should be looked at as soon as possible.
• Strange taste in the mouth: A bad taste in the mouth or odor that lingers for a day or more could be a sign that a tooth is infected or has begun to decay. The result could be the release of toxins and should be looked at as soon as possible.
• Inflammation of gums or bleeding: Blood that comes from the gums, specifically when seen in conjunction with swelling, could be a sign of periodontal disease or infection.
• Pain when pressure is applied to a tooth: A painful sensation when a tooth is touched or used biting down could be a sign of a severe cavity or faulty restoration.
• Continuous, sharp pain: A toothache that won’t go away and increases in severity could be the sign of a significant oral issue such as an abscessed tooth. If over-the-counter medicine does not relieve the pain, you should schedule a dental appointment. 

If you ever have a question about whether or not you have a dental emergency, call your dentist. Whether you are certain you need to see the dentist or not, Wabash Valley Children’s Dentistry is always here to help. Call us today to schedule your next appointment at 812-234-5437.