Managing Dental Emergencies: Be Prepared and Know What to Do

No one anticipates a dental emergency, but being prepared can make all the difference. Having a dental emergency plan ensures you're ready to act swiftly in case of an unexpected dental issue affecting you or someone close to you.

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies encompass a range of oral health issues requiring immediate attention and treatment. They generally fall into two main categories:

• Life-Threatening Dental Emergencies: These involve severe risks like infections, uncontrollable bleeding, airway obstructions, or fractures. Immediate medical attention is crucial.

• Urgent Dental Care: While not immediately life-threatening, these issues cause significant pain, pose infection risks, or risk permanent tooth loss. They also demand prompt attention.

Oral Health Problems Requiring Urgent Dental Care

Uncontrolled Oral Bleeding
Any uncontrolled bleeding needs immediate attention. Apply clean gauze or cotton to the area and use a cold compress to slow bleeding. Seek emergency dental care promptly.

Dislodged Tooth (Luxated Tooth)
A shifted or knocked tooth requires immediate treatment to prevent infection and save the tooth.

Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
If a tooth gets knocked out, handle it carefully by the crown, not the roots. If possible, place it back in its socket or store it in milk or between your gums and cheek. Seek emergency dental care within 30 minutes for a chance to save the tooth.

Broken Tooth
Chipped or broken teeth can cause sharp edges and infection risks. Use over-the-counter dental wax for temporary relief but seek immediate dental care.

Maxillofacial Impact or Injury
Facial or jaw injuries can risk broken bones. Seek medical attention, including an x-ray, to ensure no fractures.

Loose or Lost Dental Crown/Filling
Lost or loose dental restorations expose teeth to infection risks. Use over-the-counter dental cement temporarily and seek urgent dental care.

Severe Toothache
While over-the-counter remedies can offer temporary relief, severe toothaches need dental evaluation to address underlying causes.

Dental Abscess or Infection
Oral infections can spread and become life-threatening. Immediate treatment with antibiotics and potential drainage is necessary, possibly including a root canal or extraction.

Emergency Dental Care at Preston Dental Loft

At Preston Dental Loft, we prioritize your dental health in emergencies. Upon arrival, we focus on stabilizing patients by controlling bleeding and managing pain. We then conduct a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic imaging, to determine the issue's nature and extent.

Our emergency dental treatments vary depending on the issue, ranging from restorations and simple chipped tooth repairs to extractions, root canals, and antibiotics. We aim to preserve natural teeth whenever possible and discuss treatment options thoroughly with patients before proceeding.

For more information on managing dental emergencies or to schedule an urgent dental appointment, please contact Preston Dental Loft.