Common Dental Emergencies and What to Do If You Have One

Dental emergencies are more common than you might think — around two million emergency room visits every year are for dental emergencies. Knowing what to do when a dental emergency happens can not only make the situation less stressful but also prevent further complications and ensure the best possible outcomes.

Continue reading to learn how to respond to common dental emergencies and where to find the best emergency dentist in Santa Clara. 

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies cause around two million emergency room visits each year, and many are completely preventable. However, if you cannot prevent a dental emergency, you should know what to do if you are faced with one. Below are five common dental emergencies and what you should do for each.

Severe Toothache

A severe toothache can cause sharp, throbbing pain in or around a tooth — and can be caused by several things, such as: 

• Tooth decay
• An infection
• Gum disease, also called periodontal disease 
• An injury to the tooth

It could also be a sign of a more serious dental issue, such as a tooth abscess or impacted tooth. 

What to do for a bad toothache 

When experiencing a severe toothache, it is important to seek dental care promptly to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. In the meantime, taking over-the-counter pain relievers and applying a warm or cold compress to the affected area can help alleviate the discomfort. It is important not to ignore a severe toothache, as it could lead to complications if left untreated.

Lost Filling or Crown 

Losing a filling or dental crown is distressing because it leaves the affected tooth vulnerable to further damage. It can also be highly sensitive and even interfere with your ability to eat or drink. Losing a filling or crown can happen due to tooth decay, injury, or simply wear and tear over time. 

What to do when you lose a filling 

When a filling or crown is lost, contacting a dentist as soon as possible is important to address the issue. In the meantime, you should avoid chewing on the affected side of the mouth and clean the area to prevent any debris from causing irritation. You can do this by rinsing your mouth with mouthwash or brushing gently if you can. 

Additionally, over-the-counter dental cement can temporarily cover the exposed area until professional dental care can be provided. Ignoring a lost filling or dental crown can lead to complications such as infection or additional damage to the tooth, so it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. 

Knocked-out Tooth 

When a tooth is knocked out or part of the tooth is broken, it is essential to act quickly, as immediate action — ideally within 30 minutes — increases the chances of saving the fractured tooth. 

What to do for a knocked-out tooth 

The tooth should be handled carefully by the chewing surface and not the tooth root. If the tooth is dirty, it can be rinsed gently with water, but it should not be scrubbed or cleaned with soap. Ideally, the tooth should be reinserted into its socket, holding it in place by gently biting down on a clean cloth or gauze. If reinsertion is not possible, the tooth can be stored in a small container of milk or in the person’s mouth. 

Seeking emergency dental care within 30 minutes of the injury can greatly improve the chances of successfully reattaching the tooth. It is important to handle the situation with urgency and care.

Chipped Tooth 

A chipped tooth may not seem like a dental emergency, but it can actually lead to problems if it is not treated. A chipped tooth can cause sensitivity, pain, and discomfort while eating or drinking. Additionally, the chip can expose the inner layers of the tooth, making the tooth more vulnerable to decay and further damage. If the chip is significant, it can also affect your smile and even cause damage to the sensitive tissues inside your mouth. 

What to do for a chipped tooth

If you chip a tooth, you should rinse the mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling, and avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the chipped tooth. Seeking emergency dental care to evaluate and repair the chipped tooth can prevent complications and restore the tooth's function and appearance.

Broken Braces 

Broken braces brackets can cause discomfort, difficulty eating, and potential damage to the surrounding oral tissues. Broken orthodontics can also impede orthodontic progress and may cause the teeth to shift in undesired ways. 

What to do for broken braces 

If you experience broken braces, it is important to contact your orthodontist or an emergency dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for repair. In the meantime, you can use orthodontic wax to cover any protruding wires or sharp edges to prevent irritation or injury to the mouth. You should also avoid moving the broken braces with your fingers or tongue to prevent further damage.

Where to Find the Best Emergency Dentist in Santa Clara

For most dental emergencies, it is recommended that you get to a dentist as fast as possible. Seeking treatment from an emergency dentist can relieve pain and prevent further complications, including tooth loss. 

Dr. Tejero-Ugay and the entire team at Crestpointe Dental are proud to provide fast and precise emergency dentistry for the entire San Jose area. Using modern technology and a comfort-focused approach to patient care, the team at Crestpointe Dental is ready to handle any dental emergency — including abscesses, broken teeth, and lost fillings. 

Need fast and compassionate care during a dental emergency?