How to Know if You’re Having a Dental Emergency

It can be difficult to know when a dental problem is a true emergency and when it can wait for a regular appointment. A severe toothache or a knocked-out tooth are obvious emergencies, but what about a chipped tooth or a lost filling? Knowing the difference can save you time, money, and a lot of pain. This guide will help you determine if you need to see an emergency dentist. At Blende Dental Group, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful and painful. That’s why we offer prompt and compassionate emergency dental care to get you out of pain and on the road to recovery.

Dental Emergencies On the Rise

According to the American Dental Association, “Every year in the U.S., there are an estimated 2 million visits to hospital emergency departments (EDs) for dental pain. Many of these visits can be referred to local dentists and clinics, saving our health care system an estimated $1.7 billion while providing people with the ongoing oral care they need.” 

Signs and Symptoms of a Dental Emergency

Not every sensation you experience in your mouth indicates that urgent treatment is needed. But there are clear and distinct issues that you should never ignore or put off. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies and what to do before you can get to the dentist.

Severe Toothache

A severe, persistent toothache is a sign that something is wrong. It could be a sign of an abscess, a deep cavity, or an infection. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help clean the area and reduce swelling. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication, but do not place it directly on the affected tooth or gums. Call your dentist immediately.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is a serious dental emergency that requires immediate attention. With quick action, the tooth can often be saved. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root. If it’s dirty, gently rinse it with water. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue. If possible, try to place the tooth back in the socket. If you can’t, place it in a small container of milk or a cup of your own saliva. And we’ll say it again: call your dentist immediately.

Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth

A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth can range from a minor cosmetic issue to a serious emergency. If the chip or crack is large, it can expose the nerve and cause severe pain. Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there is bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth, cheek, or lip to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Then what? Call your dentist immediately. 

Lost Filling or Crown

A lost filling or crown can be painful because the exposed tooth tissue is often sensitive to temperature, pressure, and air. If you have the crown, you can try to slip it back over the tooth using dental cement, denture adhesive, or even toothpaste. Do not use super glue! Seriously, please don’t use industrial strength adhesives made for crafts and construction. If you can’t put the crown back on, keep it in a safe place and bring it with you to your appointment.

Abscessed Tooth

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around the root of a tooth. It’s a serious infection that can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated. This is a serious condition that requires immediate dental care. Rinse your mouth with a mild salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) several times during the day. This can help draw the pus to the surface and relieve pain. Call your dentist immediately.

Bleeding Gums

While some minor bleeding after flossing is normal, persistent or excessive bleeding can be a sign of gum disease. If your gums are bleeding, try rinsing with salt water. If the bleeding persists, contact your dentist.

When It’s NOT a Dental Emergency

Some dental problems can wait for a regular appointment. That doesn’t mean you should ignore these issues, but they don’t warrant urgent care or a trip to the emergency room.

• A dull toothache
• A small chip or crack in a tooth that is not causing pain
• A lost filling or crown that is not causing pain
• Food stuck between your teeth

Why Choose Blende Dental Group for Your Dental Emergency?

At Blende Dental Group, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care, especially in an emergency. qualified to treat many forms of dental emergencies. We offer a same-day response, even after hours and on weekends.

We understand that dental emergencies can happen suddenly and at any time. That’s why the Blende Dental Group is always on-call to help, every hour of every day. You may be able to avoid an unnecessary trip to a hospital emergency room by calling us first. Our team of dental professionals have decades of combined experience and routinely treat patients at several San Francisco Bay Area and New York City hospitals. But if you can’t come to us, we can provide transportation through a rideshare service like Uber, or we can come to you. 

Our options for emergency dental treatment are designed with immediacy and your unique circumstances in mind.

• Emergency Dental Care: We offer same-day appointments for dental emergencies to get you out of pain as quickly as possible.
• In-Home Dental Care: For patients who are unable to come to our office, we offer in-home dental care.
• Sedation Dentistry: We offer a variety of sedation options to help anxious patients relax during their treatment.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency in the San Francisco or New York area, don’t wait. Contact Blende Dental Group today or call us at 800-395-1152. We are here to help you get the care you need, when you need it most.