Imagine enjoying your favorite meal when you suddenly bite down on something hard, and a sharp pain shoots through your tooth. Or you’re playing a game of basketball, and a stray elbow knocks out one of your teeth. Unfortunately, dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, leaving you panicked and unsure of what to do next. But don’t worry! Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can save you time, pain, and even your tooth.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, provides expert emergency dental care with a compassionate approach. With extensive credentials, including over 500 hours of continuing education to earn her Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Sharbash is among the top 6% of general dentists in the U.S. and Canada who hold this distinction. Our practice offers same-day emergency appointments whenever possible, helping you address dental crises quickly and effectively.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
Not every toothache or minor pain is a dental emergency, but some situations require immediate attention. Some common dental emergencies you may encounter include:
- Severe toothache that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter medications
- Knocked-out-tooth
- Chipped or broken tooth
- Lost filling or crown
- Abscesses or swelling
- Uncontrolled bleeding
Every year, an estimated two million people visit the emergency department for dental pain. While dental emergencies can be scary, many of these cases are referred to a dentist for treatment as the ER is not equipped to treat most dental conditions. Identifying the signs and symptoms of a dental emergency and contacting a dentist for emergency treatment and guidance is essential for getting the quick care and attention you need to relieve your pain and protect your oral health.
What Should You Do Immediately Following a Dental Emergency?
In a dental emergency, fast action is crucial. Whether you are dealing with a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, abscess, or broken restoration, here are some practical tips for what to do in a dental emergency:
Knocked-Out-Tooth
If a tooth has been knocked out, only grip it from the crown and avoid touching its roots. Try positioning the tooth back into the socket or a glass of milk. At the same time, seek immediate dental attention to help improve your chances of saving the tooth and successfully reattaching it.
Severe Toothache
If you are dealing with a severe toothache, try rinsing your mouth with warm water and flossing to remove any trapped food particles. A pain reliever can help manage discomfort while waiting for your emergency appointment. Apply a cold compress or ice pack to your cheek to minimize swelling, and call your dentist to schedule an appointment to diagnose and treat the root cause of your pain.
Chipped Or Broken Tooth
As with a toothache, try rinsing your mouth with warm water and utilizing a cold compress to manage swelling. Collect and save any broken pieces and bring them with you to your emergency appointment.
Lost Tooth Or Filling
If a crown falls off, try to place it back over the tooth using dental cement that can be purchased at most pharmacies. If a filling falls out, sugar-free gum or dental cement can be used as a temporary cover. Avoid chewing or biting on the problem area until you see your dentist.
Abscess Or Swelling
A warm saltwater rinse can help soothe swelling and reduce inflammation caused by an infection. Avoid poking or draining the abscess yourself, as this can spread the infection and bring on more severe complications. Seek immediate dental care, as an untreated abscess can result in other diseases and health conditions.
Bleeding
If you have suffered a soft tissue trauma that has caused bleeding, a clean gauze or cloth can be applied to the area to help stop blood flow. If bleeding is severe or persists for more than 15 to 20 minutes, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Trust Newport Beach Dental Center For Your Dental Emergency
When dental emergencies strike, having a knowledgeable and responsive dental team can make all the difference in your outcome and comfort. At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash and our team provide prompt, effective care designed to relieve pain and address your dental crisis with expertise and compassion. We understand dental emergencies are stressful, so we maintain a light-hearted but factual approach that helps put you at ease while still providing the serious care you need. Our practice prioritizes same-day emergency appointments whenever possible and focuses on biomimetic dental techniques that preserve your natural tooth structure.
Don’t let dental emergencies cause unnecessary pain or complications. We can handle everything from knocked-out teeth to severe toothaches, lost crowns, and dental infections. For patients needing orthodontic solutions following specific dental injuries, we also offer ProMonitoring clear aligners as part of comprehensive treatment plans. Whatever your emergency dental needs, we’re here to help restore your smile and oral health. For immediate assistance with your dental emergency, call Newport Beach Dental Center at (949) 760-9212 or visit our contact form to schedule your emergency appointment.
