Dental emergencies are not something that many people think about, but dental emergencies can happen to anyone. Whether you have a dental emergency or someone else does, it is important to be prepared and know what to expect. In this article we will discuss dental emergencies and give you some advice on how to handle them if they happen.

What are Dental Emergencies?

A dental emergency is an unexpected dental problem that requires immediate attention. Dental emergencies can happen to anyone, at any time. A dental emergency does not have to just involve your teeth; they can even occur around your mouth or jaw. Some examples of dental emergencies include:

• Chipped or broken teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Cracked or fractured teeth
• Partially knocked-out (extruded) teeth
• Lost or damaged dental restorations (such as a filling or crown)
• An object stuck between the teeth that does not come loose with gentle flossing
• A severe, lasting toothache or tooth pain
• Injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth (such as a the gums, lips, cheeks, or tongue)

A Guide to Dental Emergencies

If you experience a dental emergency, the first thing to do is remain calm. It can be easy to become panicked or anxious in dental emergencies, but it’s important not to. Remain calm and remember that even if it seems like your dental emergency is serious, doctors are trained professionals who can help you.

Some dental emergencies will require dental treatment immediately. If you can’t see your dentist, it isn’t necessary to go to an emergency dental clinic. However, we always recommend calling your dentist first if there are no other serious injuries.

If you do need dental emergency assistance immediately, don’t delay.

Saving Knocked Out Teeth

More than 5 million teeth are knocked out each year. There are steps you can take to save a knocked out tooth if it occurs to you. If you experience a knocked out tooth, these are the things you can do to try and save it:

• Pick the tooth up by the crown.
• Handle the tooth carefully, being mindful of dental restorations or dental work already done on the tooth.
• If possible, put it back in its socket. If you can’t do so easily, rinse it off with some cold water and store it in a cup containing cold milk.
• Call your dentist right away.

It is important that the tooth stays moist at all times. You can either place it in your mouth, put it in a glass of milk, or in your mouth next to your cheek. Do not use regular tap water because root surface cells can’t tolerate that for extended periods of time.

What to Do if You Have a Head or Neck Injury

In dental emergencies, it’s important to secure the airway. If you have a dental emergency and also have a head or neck injury, it is important that you call 911 immediately before seeking help from a dentist.

Head and neck injuries could include dental fractures, dental trauma, or dental wounds. It is important to secure the airway before dental treatment begins because dental injuries could be life threatening.

If you experience a dental emergency, it’s helpful if you have someone with you who can drive. If this is not possible, make every effort to get help safely and quickly. Depending on your dental emergency, it may be advisable to go directly to the emergency room or call 911.

Treatment of other issues – such as breathing problems that

Rely on Premier Dentistry of Eagle

If you want to learn more about what to do in a dental emergency, or if you are currently experiencing one, call us today at (208) 546-0655. If you have experienced trauma to the head or neck, we recommend that you go to your primary care physician or the emergency room before calling your dentist, even if your smile has also been injured. For more information on what to do in the case of a dental emergency in Eagle, Idaho, we welcome you to call us today at Premier Dentistry of Eagle.