Common Dental Emergencies - Carmel Valley, CA

How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies

Should you or a loved one experience a dental emergency, take a moment to calm down, and give us a call immediately. Our team will walk you through first-aid tips over the phone, and if you need to be seen by Dr. Alhamdi right away, we can schedule an appointment. In the meantime, however, there are a few things you can do to reduce any discomfort associated with the emergency:

Toothaches

Toothaches can range from annoying to excruciating, and they are often the result of a dental infection, crack in the enamel, or just a piece of food being stuck between the teeth. After thoroughly rinsing and flossing the area, take an OTC medication and apply a cold compress to the face in 10-minute intervals.

Chipped/Broken Tooth

First, it’s important to recover any large pieces of the tooth that you can find and place them in a safe container. A cold compress can help manage any swelling or pain, and the remaining tooth should be covered as well to prevent it from cutting the inside of the mouth. You can use sugarless gum or dental wax to do this.

Knocked-Out Tooth

It is possible to secure a fully dislodged tooth back into place, but only within a few hours of the initial accident, so you need to move fast in this situation! After finding the tooth and giving it a gentle rinse, be sure to keep it wet until you can make it to our dental office. You can do this by placing it back into the socket, holding it between the cheek and gums, or putting it in a container with milk or saltwater.

Lost Filling/Crown

This isn’t always cause for alarm, but it’s smart to have a broken restoration repaired quickly to prevent the exposed tooth from developing any decay, damage, or pain. Try to place the restoration back onto your tooth and avoid chewing with it. A little dab of toothpaste can work as a temporary adhesive if needed.