Dental pain is not fun to deal with, no matter how severe. Identifying if you need emergency dental services and if your dental insurance will cover your care are the two most important things when you experience dental pain. Not all dental problems are emergencies; for example, a toothache should be taken seriously but may not require emergency care. This blog will provide tips for handling a dental emergency so you get the proper care before the pain worsens.
Common Dental Emergencies
Knowing when you should seek emergency dental services is very important. Some possible dental emergencies include an injury where a tooth or teeth have been knocked out, an abscess, an infected tooth, or a toothache lasting several days. Consulting with your dentist is always the best action when you experience dental pain.
Knowing When You Have a Dental Emergency
Serious dental problems can lead to even worse problems if not cared for immediately. In cases where one or more teeth have been completely knocked out, your mouth has been injured, or a tooth abscess has caused a lot of pain, you may need to be seen immediately. Cases like a filling falling out, a chipped tooth, or a broken wire on braces may be things that can wait until an appointment. Always speak with your dentist; they will tell you whether you need to make an appointment or if you should come in immediately.
Causes of Dental Emergencies
Playing sports, riding bikes, car or work-related accidents, and even rough play in and around your home, can lead to injuries resulting in a dental emergency. An infection can lead to a tooth abscess which, if left untreated, could become something that needs to be treated immediately.
Steps to Take During a Dental Emergency
Call your dentist first and provide them with a detailed description of your symptoms and how long you have been experiencing them. Your dentist will provide instructions and guidance on managing the pain until you can be seen. Keeping your mouth clean is important – rinse with warm water and apply gentle pressure with a gauze or a clean cloth if bleeding occurs. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage the pain and reduce inflammation.
What to Do with Knocked-Out Teeth
Having one or more of your teeth knocked out of your mouth is one instance where you need to see your dentist immediately. You can take the following steps to preserve the teeth:
- Put teeth in milk
- Pack the tooth socket, where the tooth came out in your mouth, with gauze, a cotton ball, or even a tea bag
- For chipped and broken teeth, rinse and save the pieces, if possible
Remember, dental emergencies can be serious and should not be ignored. A tooth abscess, toothache, pain from a dental crown, and chipped or broken teeth need care and could lead to serious dental problems if left untreated. Always contact your dentist for any dental problems. At California Dental Care, we provide emergency dental care to alleviate your symptoms. Call us at (707) 553-8008 for immediate assistance, or click here to schedule an appointment if the issue isn’t an emergency.
