Steps to Prep for Dental Emergencies 

You know what to do in a typical medical emergency, but do you know what to do in a dental emergency? Your oral health should be just as important as the rest of your health! 

While dental emergencies are uncommon, it is critical to be prepared with the necessary knowledge and guidance before encountering one. They might appear out of nowhere, causing pain, damage, and financial problems. 

The best way to prepare for a dental emergency is to have a plan. That way, if something does happen, you can act right away. A plan will reduce stress and could be the difference in preserving and losing a tooth. 

Here are some of the most common dental emergencies and some tips on handling them. Knowing dental emergencies and taking immediate action will help you manage sudden dental situations effectively. 

1. Find a Reliable Emergency Dentist 

Finding a reliable emergency dentist is the number one way to handle the crisis when faced with pain, trauma, bleeding or swelling that constitutes a dental emergency. 

Their contact info is usually readily available, but be sure you understand your emergency dentist’s office protocol. Some offices provide emergency answering services or even an emergency phone number to contact your dentist directly. 

It is a must to consult an emergency dentist as soon as possible. A prompt consultation can make all the difference between a straightforward repair and a more complex therapy. 

Remember that dental emergencies can happen anytime. So, ensure your emergency dentist operates an out-of-hours service in case the emergency happens outside regular opening hours. 

Considering that you can opt for Nova Dental in emergencies. At Nova Dental, Dr. Bhavneet Singh, DDS, brings expert cosmetic and family dentistry to patients of all ages in Newark, East Orange, and across Essex County, New Jersey. With a focus on comprehensive oral health care, Nova Dental is dedicated to helping you and your family achieve healthy, confident smiles in a welcoming and supportive environment. 

2. Know Common Dental Emergencies and How to handle them 

Knowing the most common dental emergencies and how to handle them is critical. Below is a brief overview of the most common dental emergencies and what to do about them. 

Severe Bleeding 

If you are involved in an accident and this leads to heavy bleeding in the mouth, then you should regard this as a dental emergency. Establish the cause of the bleeding, whether due to injury or disease. In some cases, heavy bleeding may also be witnessed after a tooth extraction. 

Next, try to stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure to the bleeding site with sterile gauze. 

Severe Toothache or Jaw Pain 

Jaw pain can be due to many conditions, including infections and teeth grinding. If you are suffering significant tooth pain, particularly if it is accompanied by swelling or bleeding, call the dentist and describe your symptoms. 

To alleviate pain until your appointment, take an over-the-counter pain medicine. You can also gently compress a cold washcloth to the cheeks, but avoid putting ice directly on your teeth or gums. 

Knocked-Out Tooth 

Many types of trauma can lead you to lose a tooth unexpectedly. If an accident makes one of your teeth loose, find it, rinse it with warm water, and gently push it back into the socket. Hold it in place with gauze. 

Hold the tooth from the crown without touching the nerves and soft tissues of the root. If you can’t place it back in your mouth, keep it in a cup of milk in case you have to visit your dentist. The faster the treatment, the better the possibility of Tooth Salvaging. 

These simple and immediate measures will enhance the possibilities of tooth preservation. 

Unexpected and Intense Swelling 

The sudden development of severe swelling around the tooth, gums, or mouth can signify a dental emergency. While waiting for the right kind of emergency dental treatment, using a cold compress on the cheek that corresponds to the swelling can help minimize and ease the pain. Over-the-counter pain medications can also be given to manage the pain until one can see the dentist.  

Gum Abscess 

An infection causes an abscess of the teeth and gums. You should immediately call your dentist if you have any pain, swelling, or tenderness in your gums. Treatment usually involves draining the abscess, thoroughly cleaning the area, and antibiotics. 

3. Prevention as the Best Way to Prep for Dental Emergencies 

One of the best methods to prepare for a dental emergency is to take caution and prevent one from occurring. To adequately protect your teeth, take all possible safety precautions. See your dentist every six months to prepare yourself and your dentist for emergencies. 

A dental device can also help minimize the need for emergency treatment.  

The following are two traditional dental devices and their uses. 

• A night guard will shield your teeth from grinding at night, providing a shield between the upper and lower teeth to prohibit them from wearing down. 
• Mouthguards for athletic patients may help prevent one of the most common causes of dental-related injuries during sports. The American Dental Association recommends a custom mouthguard for all contact and collision sports. 

Avoid chewing on ice or sticky/hard candies, which can hurt your teeth. In addition, never use your teeth as scissors—get the actual scissors. 

Remember that dental emergency materials should also be in your first aid kit. Prepare for a knocked-out tooth by having a tooth preservation solution and gauze. Floss is one of the essential daily toiletries; still, take more inside your first aid package. Most painful toothaches are caused by food getting stuck between teeth. 

To Wrap Up 

Preparation for a dental emergency includes determining how to act in an everyday situation and preventing it. One needs to know the sequence of action to be followed in an emergency, such as how to find an effective emergency dentist, pain management, and other issues that may arise, like a knocked-out tooth or heavy swellings. 

Besides, the chances of emergencies can be drastically reduced by taking preventive care: regular visits to dentists, wearing protective gear, and good oral habits. A little forethought and immediate action when necessary can save your teeth. 

Nieka Ranises