Woman in red shirt touching her cheek, appearing to experience tooth or jaw pain indoors.

Dental Emergencies: What to Do & When to Seek Help

A dental emergency can be a frightening and painful experience. At Dove Family Dentistry in Bennington, TN, we understand the importance of acting quickly to address dental emergencies. This guide will provide you with information on common dental emergencies and the steps you can take to get the care you need.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

If you experience any of the following, call Dove Family Dentistry immediately:
  • Broken or cracked tooth: A broken or cracked tooth can cause pain and increase your risk of infection.
  • Severe toothache: A severe toothache can be a sign of a serious dental problem.
  • Knocked-out tooth: Time is critical when a tooth is knocked out. The sooner you can see a dentist, the better the chances of saving the tooth.
  • Object caught between teeth: An object stuck between your teeth can be irritating and difficult to remove on your own.
  • Lost filling or crown: A lost filling or crown can leave your tooth vulnerable to decay and sensitivity.
  • Excessive bleeding or swelling: Bleeding or swelling around the mouth can be a sign of infection.
In case of a life-threatening emergency, such as difficulty breathing or uncontrolled bleeding, call 911 immediately.

What to Do in Case of a Dental Emergency

Here are some steps you can take to manage a dental emergency until you can see a dentist:
  • For a broken or cracked tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
  • For a knocked-out tooth: If possible, gently rinse the tooth with warm water and try to place it back in its socket. If you can't reinsert the tooth, store it in milk or saliva and see a dentist immediately.
  • For an object caught between teeth: Try to gently floss the object out. Do not use sharp objects to remove the object, as this could damage your gums.
  • For a lost filling or crown: Save the filling or crown if you can and call Dove Family Dentistry for an appointment as soon as possible.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

The best way to deal with a dental emergency is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing dental emergencies:
  • Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.
  • Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings: This allows your dentist to identify and address potential problems early on.
  • Wear a mouthguard: If you participate in contact sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury.
  • Avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing: Don't use your teeth to crack nuts, open bottles, or tear open packages.

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