What Constitutes A Dental Emergency?

In the event of a dental emergency, your dentist should be the first person you call. Many dentists have time set aside for emergency procedures, so you’ll be able to get an appointment very soon. However, we have many patients who aren’t sure what constitutes a dental emergency and what doesn’t. We hope this post can help.

Dental Emergencies

Below are a few examples of dental emergencies and what to do if they occur:

Knocked Out Tooth – If a tooth has been knocked out, this is a dental emergency and you should be seen immediately. If the appropriate steps are taken (listed below), there’s a chance the tooth can be saved and reinserted.

• Pick the tooth up by the top – never touch the roots of the tooth
• Rinse the tooth with clean water, but avoid removing any tissue attached to it
• Place the tooth gently back into the socket, holding it in place by biting down
• If this isn’t possible or the patient is too young and may swallow the tooth, place the tooth in a cup of milk 
• Call the dentist immediately

Tissue Injury or Facial Pain – Tissue injuries include lacerations, cuts, tears, or puncture wounds to the tongue, cheeks, lips, or gums. These would count as dental emergencies. Clean the wound immediately with warm water and try to stop the bleeding by putting pressure on the wound with clean sterile gauze. It’s important to get to a dentist or an emergency room as quickly as possible.

Other Dental Emergencies

Any dental problem that requires immediate treatment in order to stop bleeding, save a tooth, or alleviate extreme pain is considered a dental emergency. If you have a severe abscess or infection, it could be life threatening. If you can’t get a hold of your dentist in this situation, you should head to the nearest ER.

If you believe you’re having a dental emergency, please don’t hesitate to contact Lockett Orthodontics as soon as possible. Our office is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.