5 Dental Emergencies and How to Deal with Them

Published on: November 16, 2021

Dental emergencies seem to happen at the most inconvenient times, so it’s best if you know a thing or two about dealing with them if they ever happen. Though consulting an emergency dentist in Orange County, NY, is the best solution, some home remedies are essential for dental emergencies in the meantime.

Common Dental Emergencies

Toothache

Pain will never be a good sign of anything and might be coming from various reasons. A toothache is a common dental emergency encountered by almost everyone. It became too familiar that some no longer see it as an emergency but already a normal part of life.
What to do:
You can use a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Some over-the-counter pain relievers might be of use as well.

Broken Orthodontics

Your braces could be rigid, but if not given proper care and attention, they might wear down sooner than you expect. If you don’t watch what you eat, your metal wires and brackets can break, resulting in difficulty chewing and talking.
What to do:
If this happens, you can push the wires back to a comfortable position. It would help if you never cut the broken wire to prevent swallowing it or further injury. As soon as you get enough time, visit your orthodontist.

Bleeding After a Tooth Extraction

Though it’s normal to experience some post-op pain and bleeding, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. If the pain or the bleeding persists, then it’s time to call your dentist.
What to do:
While waiting for professional help, you can try placing a thick gauze pad over the extraction site then bite the gauze to apply pressure. It’s also recommended to avoid rinsing, smoking, or eating while the extraction site is still bleeding.

Knocked-out Tooth

Depending on the injury that caused your knocked-out tooth, you may still put the tooth back in place.
What to do:
If you cannot reinsert the tooth, put it in a clean container with milk. It will help preserve the tooth in time for your emergency dental appointment.

Lost Filling

Dental fillings help restore your previously damaged tooth. When they break, they can cause a lot of pain. If this is the case, you’ll need to have it treated right away to prevent further infection and damage.
What to do:
While waiting for your emergency dental visit, you can try sticking a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity and put the restoration in a clean bag for your dentist to see if they can still be refitted.

Are You Looking for a Trusted Emergency Dentist in Orange County, NY?

Emergencies are inevitable, and no one would want to deal with discomfort. That’s why here at Harriman Family Dental, we offer a dependable emergency service for your dental issues. Just don’t hesitate to give us a call if you’ll need help. If you have any other questions about your condition or our services, our friendly team is always ready to help. We take our patients’ wellbeing very seriously and always want what’s best for you.