Five common dental emergencies and how to handle them

When urgent problems affect your smile, it is important to talk to a dentist in Sarasota, Florida, who offers emergency dental care. Dr. Mitul Patel and his team at Vital Dental can work with patients who need same-day solutions for common dental emergencies.

1. Knocked-out tooth

This common dental emergency can occur due to accidents or sports injuries. If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, acting quickly is important to increase the chances of saving the tooth.

• Locate the tooth first, then grasp it by the crown, the portion of your mouth you often view without touching the root.
• Do not clean or dry the tooth; rinse with milk or saliva to remove debris.
• If possible, try to reinsert the tooth back into its socket. If not, preserve it by placing it in a cup of milk or between the cheek and gums.
• See a dentist immediately for further treatment. If the tooth is reinserted within an hour, they may be able to save it.

2. Cracked or broken natural adult tooth

A cracked or broken natural adult tooth can be painful and might require immediate attention from a skilled dentist. Here’s what to do:

• Rinse out your mouth with a warm water rinse to cleanse the area.
• Gently apply a cold compress to reduce any swelling and/or pain.
• If you have any pieces of the tooth, try to save them and bring them to your dentist.
• Schedule an appointment with your dentist right away for proper treatment.

3. Toothache

Various issues, such as cavities, infections, or damaged fillings, might cause a toothache. To relieve this pain before seeing a dentist:

• Rinse out the mouth using warm, salty water to clean the area.
• Use dental floss to remove food particles lodged between the teeth carefully. This can help alleviate pressure and pain.
• Take over-the-counter pain medicines, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if necessary.
• Avoid placing items like aspirin directly on the affected tooth or gum tissues, as this can cause burns.

4. Lost filling or dental crown

A lost filling or dental crown often causes discomfort and leaves the affected tooth vulnerable to further damage. Here’s what you should do:

• Try to find the lost filling or crown.
• Clean the affected tooth and apply a temporary dental cement (available at most pharmacies) until you can see a dentist.
• Avoid chewing using the tooth until a dentist properly restores it.

5. Broken braces or wires

If you wear braces, there’s a chance that one of the brackets or wires can break. Here’s how to handle this dental emergency:

• If an orthodontic wire pokes your cheek or gums, gently push it back into place using a pencil eraser or cotton swab.
• If this isn’t possible, cover the sharp end with orthodontic wax (available at most pharmacies) until you can see your orthodontist for repairs.
• Do not attempt to cut or remove any part of your braces yourself, as this can cause further damage and delay treatment.

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