Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night with a terrible toothache? Did one of your kids get a tooth knocked out while playing sports? It seems dental emergencies happen at the most inopportune moments.
When a dental emergency happens, it can make you anxious and scared. That’s why knowing how to alleviate your discomfort and save your tooth is essential. Please keep reading to learn more about the most common dental emergencies and how to handle them.
Handling Common Dental Emergencies
We understand how stressful it can be when you need emergency dental care. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies and how to handle them until you reach our dental office:
- Toothache — Severe tooth pain doesn’t usually go away on its own, so it’s essential to call us immediately when you have a toothache. Place an ice pack on your face for swelling, and clean your mouth by rinsing with warm water. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Chipped or broken tooth—If you chip or break your tooth, save any pieces and bring them to our dental office. If your mouth is bleeding, you can also rinse with warm water and apply gauze.
- Knocked-out tooth — The sooner we can see you in our dental office, the better chance we have of saving your tooth. Without touching the tooth’s roots, gently rinse it and place it back into its socket. If that doesn’t work, store it in your cheek or a glass of milk until you arrive for your emergency appointment.
- Lost or broken filling or restoration — If you lose a filling or crown, call us immediately for an appointment. In the meantime, you can use sugarless gum to hold it in place.
- Infection — You could have a dental infection if you have pain, swelling, or a small pimple on your gums. Rinse your mouth with warm water and call our dental office immediately.
Need Emergency Dental Care in Burke, VA?
We will happily assist you if you need emergency dental care! At Burke Dental Center, we provide prompt and compassionate treatment when you need us the most. Contact our dental office at (703) 440-5075 for more information or to schedule an appointment.