How to Survive a Dental Emergency

No matter how calm and composed you may be on a regular basis, there’s something about the combination of pain and surprise that can turn the most reasonable mind into a panicked whirlwind. No one goes about their day expecting to chip a tooth or develop blinding jaw pain, but it happens. When it does, what can you do about it until you can get in to see your Barrie family dentist?

First and foremost: try not to worry. You can’t force time to go any faster, and by keeping a level head, you’ll be able to manage your pain until your dentist can take a professional look. The following three common dental emergencies can happen to anyone, but here’s what to do if they happen to you.

What To Do When…

You Have a Pounding Toothache or Intense Tooth Pain

A toothache is a good indication that there’s something wrong with your teeth, such as a cavity, abscess, or infection. It’s for this reason that it’s important not to ignore or downplay the pain. Your first action should be to call your dentist and arrange an appointment to investigate the cause of the pain. Until your appointment, your next task will be pain management. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Ibuprofen, and a cold compress should help ease your discomfort. Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, as these may exacerbate damage to your tooth.

One of Your Teeth Has Been Knocked Out

When it comes to a tooth that has been knocked out of its socket, the name of the game is time. If you can find the tooth, hold it only by the crown and avoid touching the root area. You can rinse the tooth with water if it’s become dirty. If there’s pulp clinging to the roots, leave it in place. If possible, replace the tooth in its socket and keep it there by gently holding gauze over the top. If the tooth can’t be replaced, keep it in a glass of milk until you can get into your local dentist’s office.

There’s Something Stuck Between Your Teeth

Dental floss should be your go-to method to try and dislodge something that has become wedged between your teeth. Gently and carefully floss between your teeth to try and get the object out. If it remains where it is, it’s time to make an appointment with your dentist. Never try to use a sharp tool, like a pin or pocketknife, to try and dislodge the object on your own. If you do, you risk damaging your gums, scratching your tooth, or wedging the stuck object even farther into your gums.

You’ve Lost or Popped a Crown or Filling

As with a knocked-out tooth, try to locate the lost crown or filling if you can. However, you should avoid trying to replace it on your own, as this might inadvertently damage your tooth. Instead, keep it safe and call your dentist to arrange an appointment. Your Barrie family dentist may be able to replace the broken restoration, but if not, they’ll be able to oversee the safe installation of a new one.

Call Your Barrie Family Dentist

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait. The sooner you can get into a dental office for an appointment, the sooner you can relieve your pain and begin eating and speaking normally again. At Dr. Elston Wong Dentistry, we provide restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic treatment, so no matter what kind of dental emergency you have, we’ll be able to provide the right care.

For more information on our dental services, including emergency dental care, give us a call at (705) 721-1143. You can also send us a message online or start an online chat.