There’s never an ideal time to face a dental emergency. Severe pain, a broken tooth, dental restoration, or an abscess can leave you feeling anxious. How will this crisis impact your routine? How long will you need to wait to see the dentist? And how do you deal with the emergency while waiting for help?
At The Row, we understand that dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, often causing stress and discomfort. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or an injury to your gums, knowing how to handle these situations can help minimise pain and prevent further damage.
In this article, we’ll discuss some common dental emergencies and provide quick fixes to help you manage them until you can reach our dental practice in Edinburgh for professional care.
Toothache: The Most Common Dental Emergency
Toothaches are a common reason for seeking emergency dental care. A persistent ache or sharp pain could indicate several problems, including cavities, infection, gum disease, or an abscess. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, here’s what you can do:
- Rinse with Warm Salt Water: A salt water rinse can help reduce inflammation and remove any debris from around the affected tooth.
- Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Ibuprofen or paracetamol can help manage pain until you can get to us. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package for dosage.
- Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your cheek near the painful tooth for 15-20 minutes. This can help reduce swelling and numb the area.
If the pain persists or is severe, it could indicate an infection or a serious issue, such as an abscess, that needs prompt attention. We recommend calling us immediately to schedule an emergency appointment.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Losing a tooth can be frightening, but acting quickly is essential. If you experience trauma to the mouth and your tooth is knocked out, it is possible to save the tooth if you act swiftly. Here’s what you should do:
- Pick It Up by the Crown: Handle the tooth by the crown (the part that’s visible in your mouth). Avoid touching the root.
- Rinse Gently: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water. Do not scrub or use soap, as this can harm the tooth.
- Keep the Tooth Moist: Place the tooth back in the socket if possible, ensuring it is in the correct position. If this isn’t possible, place the tooth in a glass of milk. If milk isn’t available, you can also store it in a small container of water.
- Get to Us Quickly: Time is of the essence! You have about a 30-minute to an hour window for us to reimplant the tooth successfully. The sooner you contact us, the higher the chances of saving your tooth.
If you can’t reinsert the tooth, don’t worry—we’ll explore other treatment options, such as dental implants, to restore your smile.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
A cracked or broken tooth can happen due to a sudden impact, biting into something hard, or even from an untreated cavity weakening the tooth. While it can be painful, quick action can minimise discomfort and prevent further damage. Here’s what to do while waiting for your appointment:
- Rinse with Warm Salt Water: If you have broken a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean.
- Use a Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling and numb the area.
- Take Pain Relief: Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen can help ease any discomfort, but follow the instructions carefully.
- Cover the Tooth with Dental Wax: If the break has exposed sharp edges, you can cover them with dental wax (available at most pharmacies) to prevent irritation to your tongue or cheeks.
Call us for an emergency appointment if your tooth is severely cracked or the pain persists. Depending on the severity, we may perform a root canal treatment or place a crown to restore your tooth’s strength and function.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a pocket of infection that can form in the gums or around the root of a tooth. Symptoms can include severe pain, swelling, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth. An abscess can be serious and, if left untreated, can spread to other parts of the body. If you have an abscess, follow these steps:
- Rinse with Salt Water: Saltwater rinses can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
- Pain Relief: Seeing us as soon as possible is essential for proper treatment. Avoid taking any painkillers or numbing gels before your appointment.
- Avoid Hot or Cold Foods: Avoid eating or drinking anything that may exacerbate the pain, such as hot or cold foods and drinks.
If you suspect you have an abscess, see us immediately. Abscesses often require draining and may need antibiotics to control the infection. We may also need to perform a root canal or other procedures to treat the underlying issue.
Lost or Broken Filling or Crown
Losing a filling or crown can leave the tooth exposed and vulnerable to further damage. This can also cause discomfort, especially if the underlying tooth is sensitive to air or temperature. Here’s how to deal with this emergency until you get to see us:
- Temporary Fix: If you have a broken filling or crown, you can temporarily reattach it with over-the-counter dental cement, available at most pharmacies. Follow the instructions on the product to avoid further injury.
- Pain Relief: If your exposed tooth is sensitive, use desensitising toothpaste to cover the area and reduce discomfort.
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Until you can visit us, avoid eating anything that could aggravate the exposed area.
We recommend coming in as soon as possible so we can replace or repair the filling or crown to prevent further damage or infection.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
In any of these situations, if you’re unable to manage the pain or the injury, it’s important to seek help. At The Row, we offer emergency dental services to provide prompt care and relief when needed.
Don’t hesitate to call us if you’re in pain or have a dental injury. The sooner we can treat the issue, the better the outcome for your oral health.
Contact us today to book your emergency appointment.
