It is important to stay calm when an emergency of any kind happens. The best way to stay calm is to feel prepared. A dental emergency can be anything from a broken crown to a knocked-out tooth to severe pain from a toothache. You may ask yourself questions like, “Is this an emergency?,” “What should I do?,” and “Who do I call?.” Having these answers already in your brain will keep you calm in the face of high adrenaline caused by the emergency.
Is this an emergency?
Simply biting down on something that is too hard can crack a tooth. An accident or injury can cause a chip or for the tooth to be knocked out completely. A small chip may not need immediate care, as it can be restored later. If the crack is large or if a large piece of the tooth is missing, it should be seen by a dentist immediately. A tooth that has been completely knocked out does require immediate attention for the best chance of saving the tooth. Severe pain can be less clear on when it is or is not an emergency. It is usually best to call your dentist if you are in doubt.
What should I do?
If you or your loved one is in severe pain, try an over-the-counter pain medication. If a tooth is knocked out, try to keep it in the socket until you can get to the dentist. Moistened gauze can be used to apply pressure to stop the bleeding. A cold compress can keep the swelling down. Avoid swallowing the tooth. If you cannot keep it in the socket, rinse it and keep it in a closed container of milk or your own saliva. Get to the dentist as quickly as you can.
Call us in the event of a dental emergency
Emergency appointments are available. Contact Dr. Newton at Celina Family Dentistry by calling (214) 851-0130. Located in Celina, TX, we also welcome patients of all ages from Prosper, McKinney, Frisco, Anna, Pilot Point, and the surrounding communities.
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