Essential First Steps in a Dental Emergency
A dental emergency can happen at any time, whether it’s a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or an injury to the mouth. Knowing what to do in those critical first moments can make all the difference in saving a tooth or preventing further complications. If you’ve ever found yourself searching for an “emergency dentist near me,” you’re not alone. At French Smiles, the dental clinic Snellville patients trust, we are here to help you navigate dental emergencies with confidence and care. In this blog, we’ll outline essential first steps you should take during a dental emergency to protect your oral health.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first and most important step is to try to keep calm as panicking can make the situation feel more overwhelming than it is. Assess what has actually happened — maybe a tooth or a restoration has cracked or even has a piece that’s broken off. Is it cutting your tongue or any other damage to the area around it? It’s good to determine if it’s urgent or an emergency. Both are considered a top priority to French Smiles; but part of the assessment is making sure to get you taken care of. And knowing we are on your side and will help you!
2. Save Any Knocked-Out Teeth or Fragments
If a tooth has been knocked out, time is critical. Locate the tooth and handle it by the crown (the chewing surface), avoiding the root to prevent damage. Rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, try to place the tooth back into its socket. If that’s not an option, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a container of milk or holding it inside your mouth between your cheek and gums. The quicker you can get to an “emergency dentist near me,” the better the chances of saving the tooth.
If you have broken a piece of tooth off and are able to keep it — especially if it’s a piece of bonding — you do not have to keep it moist or try to re-attach. But, sometimes it’s helpful to keep the piece and bring with you to your visit.
If it’s a crown that has become loose and comes off, sometimes the tooth underneath can be sensitive or have a sharp edge. In this case, if you can place the crown back on, you can use a small dab of toothpaste or Vaseline to help hold it on the tooth. And then, of course, call us right away so we can get the crown or bridge put back on more permanently. Please resist the urge to use glue! That would damage the tooth underneath and possibly the restoration as well. If putting it back on is too challenging, then simply preserve the crown or piece that came off so that more of the restoration doesn’t break or get damaged.
3. Manage Pain and Swelling
Pain and swelling are common during dental emergencies. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help alleviate discomfort, but avoid aspirin if there is bleeding, as it can thin the blood. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek can help reduce swelling and numb the area, offering temporary relief until you receive professional dental care.
4. Gently Rinse Your Mouth
For situations like a cracked tooth or a bitten tongue, rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gently swish it around your mouth.
5. Protect the Affected Area
If you have a broken tooth or a lost filling or crown, try to protect the exposed area. You can use dental putty (available over the counter) or sugarless gum to cover sharp edges temporarily and prevent them from cutting your tongue or cheeks while you arrange to visit your dentist.
6. Contact an Emergency Dentist Right Away
One of the most crucial steps is to seek professional dental care as soon as possible. Searching for an “emergency dentist near me” and contacting them quickly can make all the difference in resolving your dental issue effectively. At French Smiles, the dental clinic Snellville relies on, we provide prompt and compassionate care for all types of dental emergencies.
How French Smiles Can Help
At French Smiles, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful and frightening. That’s why our team is dedicated to offering fast, effective treatment for emergencies ranging from toothaches and cracked teeth to knocked-out teeth and infections. As the dental clinic Snellville patients trust, we prioritize emergency cases to ensure you get the relief and treatment you need without delay.
Be Prepared and Act Fast
Dental emergencies are never convenient, but being prepared can help you respond with confidence. Remember, the essential first steps — staying calm, controlling bleeding, managing pain, and contacting an “emergency dentist near me” — are critical for the best outcome. If you ever find yourself facing a dental emergency, French Smiles is here for you. Contact us immediately for the expert dental care you need from the dental clinic Snellville trusts. Your smile’s health and safety are our top priorities!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
