Handling a Dental Emergency: What to Do and When to Seek Professional Care

A dental emergency can happen when you least expect it. Knowing what to do in the moment can make a big difference in protecting your oral health and preventing further complications. At Obeng Family Dental, we believe that preparation and quick action are key to protecting your smile and preventing long-term damage.
 

Common Types of Dental Emergencies

• Severe Toothache - Persistent or intense pain may be a sign of infection or decay.

• Knocked-Out Tooth - Time is critical; saving a tooth is most successful within the first hour.

• Broken or Chipped Tooth – Even minor fractures can expose sensitive areas and should be treated promptly.

• Lost Filling or Crown - Exposed areas can lead to pain and increased sensitivity.

• Abscess or Swelling - These may signal a serious infection that needs immediate attention.
 

What You Can Do Right Away

While you should always contact a dentist as soon as possible, here are a few steps you can take at home before you’re able to get professional care:

• For a Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to ensure nothing is lodged between teeth. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums.

• For a Knocked-Out Tooth: Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket if possible. If not, keep it moist in milk or saliva until you reach the dentist.

• For a Broken Tooth: Rinse with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces and bring them with you.

• For a Lost Filling or Crown: Use dental cement (available at most drugstores) as a temporary fix until your dentist can restore it properly.

• For an Abscess: Rinse with mild salt water to help draw out infection temporarily, but seek professional care immediately.
 

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

If you experience any of the following, don’t wait to see a dentist:

• Uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth - This may signal serious trauma or injury that requires immediate attention.

• Intense or worsening pain - Severe pain can be a sign of infection, decay reaching the nerve, or other serious issues that won’t resolve on their own.

• Facial swelling that spreads or makes breathing difficult - This could indicate an abscess or deep infection that can become life-threatening if not treated quickly.

• A tooth that has been knocked out or loosened due to trauma - Acting fast gives the highest chance of saving the tooth and preventing long-term complications.

Other urgent signs include visible pus, sudden numbness in the mouth or jaw, or injuries that make it difficult to chew or close your mouth normally.

These situations can worsen quickly, and prompt treatment is the best way to save your tooth, protect your gums, and prevent infections from spreading to other parts of the body. When in doubt, call your dentist right away.
 

Urgent Dental Care You Can Count on in Port Orange

Dental emergencies are stressful, but knowing how to respond can help you stay calm and protect your smile until you receive professional care. We are here to provide compassionate, same-day emergency appointments when you need us most.

If you’re facing a dental emergency, contact Obeng Family Dental right away for trusted urgent care to protect your smile. Visit our office in Port Orange, Florida, or call (386) 761-9440 for further guidance.