Dental injuries happen when you least expect them. But knowing what to do in those first few minutes can make a huge difference in saving your tooth and protecting your oral health. Consider it first aid before you get professional dental care.
A dental injury happens. What do you do immediately after? Here’s what you need to know.
Remain Calm and Assess the Injury
When faced with a dental emergency, it can be scary. So, before you do anything else, take a deep breath and remain calm. This will help you think clearly as you begin to act.
As you are ready, check for bleeding, swelling, or visible damage to the teeth, gums, or jaw. You may also need to assess soft tissues like the cheeks, tongue, and lips. If the injury involves severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, or a potential head injury, seek emergency medical care first.
Get Bleeding Under Control
If your mouth is bleeding, gently rinse it with warm water to remove any debris and to locate the source. Apply clean gauze or a soft cloth with gentle pressure to the area for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Bleeding should begin to subside; if it doesn’t, seek medical attention.
Save Your Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is of the essence when it comes to a knocked-out permanent tooth, which makes quick action imperative. Here are your next steps.
Hold the tooth only by the crown and always avoid touching the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently. Do not scrub or remove anything attached to the root. Next, carefully place the tooth back into the socket, if possible. Gently bite down on clean gauze to hold it in place until you can see the endodontist. Not about to reinsert the tooth? Store it in milk or saliva to keep it moist.
To preserve a natural tooth, you have less than an hour. So call our office immediately.
Repair a Broken or Chipped Tooth
If part of your tooth breaks, collect any pieces you can find and bring them with you to your appointment. While not always possible, sometimes they can be used in restoring the tooth.
Rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold compress in the area on the outside of your face to reduce any swelling. Avoid chewing on the injured side until we can evaluate the damage.
Do not dismiss the importance of getting a chipped or broken tooth evaluated. If left untreated, even a small chip can expose the inner layers of the tooth and increase the risk of infection.
Calm a Severe Toothache
Have a bad toothache? One that is persistent or causes severe pain needs to be addressed, as it could signal that some decay and infection could be present within the soft, inner area of the tooth.
Over-the-counter pain relievers may help to minimize pain. Follow the instructions on the bottle or discuss options with your doctor. Avoid tricks and tips online, such as placing an aspirin on the sore area, as it can lead to further damage.
Seek Professional Help
Not all dental injuries show symptoms right away. So, even if the injury seems minor or if you aren’t experiencing any discomfort, it is still important to schedule an evaluation as soon as possible.
We will assess the situation and recommend the appropriate treatment to preserve your natural smile whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly should I see a dentist after a dental injury?
We recommend contacting our office immediately. Many dental injuries have the best outcomes when treated within the first hour.
Can a knocked-out permanent tooth be saved?
Yes. Fast action greatly increases the chance of saving the tooth, especially if it is properly stored and treated swiftly.
Should I go to the emergency room for a dental injury?
Not always. If your injury has severe bleeding, facial fractures, difficulty breathing, significant swelling of the face or jaw, or a potential head injury, visit the ER. Otherwise, contact our office for treatment as soon as possible.
What should I do if my tooth hurts after an injury, but doesn’t look damaged?
Even without visible damage, the tooth may have injuries inside. This needs to be evaluated, and diagnostic tools will allow a closer look.
Can a cracked tooth become infected?
Yes. Cracks can allow bacteria to enter the inner portion of the tooth, increasing the risk of infection and the need for root canal treatment if left untreated.
At Towson Endodontics, we provide prompt, compassionate care when dental emergencies happen. If you or a loved one experiences a dental injury, contact us right away so we can evaluate the damage and help protect your oral health.
