5 Common Dental Emergencies and How to Manage Them at Home

A toothache, a broken or knocked-out tooth, can strike at any time. Knowing what to do before you seek emergency dentistry in Sarasota, Florida, can prevent unnecessary pain and further health complications. In this guide, Vital Dental will walk you through common dental emergencies and show you how to handle them until you seek professional help. 

1. Toothaches

Toothaches are the most common dental emergencies we encounter at our office. Tooth pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that can keep you awake at night. A persistent toothache can be a sign of dental infection, gum disease, decay, sinus infections, etc. 

Here’s how to manage an excruciating toothache. 

• Rinse your mouth with warm, salty water
• Apply a cold compress on the outer cheeks to manage swelling
• Take over-the-counter pain medications, but avoid placing aspirin on the tooth—it can burn the tissues
• Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide 
• See a dentist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment

A dentist has several options for treating a toothache, depending on the root cause. Possible treatments include dental fillings, root canals, crowns, and emergency extractions. 

2. Chipped or broken tooth

Falls, knocks, or accidentally chewing into something hard can break or fracture your tooth. Left untreated, a cracked tooth can lead to infection and possible tooth loss. 

Handle a broken tooth by following these tips. 

• Clean your mouth with warm, salty water
• Apply gauze for about 10 minutes if there’s bleeding
• Avoid chewing on the side of the broken tooth
• Manage swelling by applying ice to the area near the affected tooth
• Put any broken pieces in a container of milk or saliva and take them to the dentist

3. A knocked-out tooth

An avulsed (knocked-out) tooth is a severe dental emergency that requires urgent attention. The sooner you act, the higher the chances of saving your tooth. 

• Pick up the tooth by the crown
• Gently rinse any dirt with water, but avoid scrubbing it
• Gently re-insert it into the jawbone socket
• If it’s not possible to re-insert your tooth, place it in a container of milk
• Visit your dentist within 30-60 minutes for the best chance of reattachment

4. Loose filling or crown

We use crowns and fillings to repair damaged or decayed teeth. While they are secured with durable adhesives, dental crowns or fillings can loosen or fall out because of accidents or natural wear and tear. A lost crown or filling can leave the damaged tooth vulnerable to infections and further damage. 

Here is how to handle a loose/fallen-out crown or filling. 

• If a crown falls out, try to re-insert it with over-the-counter adhesives
• Gently rinse your mouth with warm, salty water to remove harmful bacteria
• Don’t chew on the affected side
• You can put the crown in a safe container and bring it to your dentist’s office

5. Dental abscess

An abscess is a pus-filled infection that forms on the gums or at the tooth’s root. An abscessed tooth is a severe condition because the infection can spread to other body parts. 

Rinse your mouth with salty water and avoid popping the abscess yourself. Visit an emergency dentist immediately. 

Dental emergency services near me

Dental emergencies can be painful and stressful. However, knowing where you can seek professional help can make light of your situation. Need emergency dentistry in or around Sarasota, FL? Call (941) 371-2022 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Mitul Patel and his team. We are well-equipped to handle most dental emergencies. 

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