Understanding and Managing Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and it’s important to know how to handle them properly. Taking the first steps will ensure that your smile is well cared for and that any pain is handled as quickly as possible. At Springs Dental, our team, led by Dr. Daniel B. Pulsipher, DDS, is here to provide you with the care and support you need in the event of any dental emergency.

What is a Dental Emergency?

Not all tooth issues warrant an emergency dental visit. A true dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention to prevent further damage to your teeth or gums or major embarrassment. Common examples include a broken tooth at the front of your smile, a lost filling or crown, severe tooth pain, and a tooth that’s completely knocked out. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or others that you believe may be a dental emergency, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

On the other hand, minor issues such as a slight ache or something feeling “off” about your tooth don’t require same-day care. However, we suggest calling our Murrieta emergency dentist and scheduling an exam at your earliest availability.

Most Common Dental Emergencies

Some of the most common dental emergencies we see in our office include situations related to:

A broken or chipped tooth
A missing filling or crown falling off
Severe tooth pain
A tooth that has been knocked out
Severe swelling or bleeding

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

What to do if You Chip or Knock a Tooth Out

If you chip or knock out a tooth, the first thing you should do is try to locate the tooth or tooth fragment. If possible, gently place a complete tooth back in its socket, making sure it is facing the right way and not forcing it into place. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a cup of milk or saline solution to keep it moist. Chipped teeth should be stored similarly. Contact our office immediately, as it’s usually best to treat chipped or knocked-out teeth within the next one to two hours.

Bleeding and Swelling

If your gums are bleeding or swollen, it is important to seek treatment before it gets worse. This could be a sign of a serious infection. Rinsing with warm salt water and taking an anti-inflammatory (such as Motrin) can be beneficial. If the bleeding is uncontrollable or your swelling is extending into your face, call 911 and/or head to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Tooth Pain and Abscessed Teeth

Severe tooth pain is an extremely common dental emergency. The pain may be due to something simple or a more problematic issue, such as an exposed nerve or abscess. A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around the tooth and can be caused by a bacterial infection. If you experience severe tooth pain or suspect that you have an abscessed tooth, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

How to Handle a Dental Emergency

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, it is important to stay calm and contact our office immediately. Our team will work to schedule an emergency appointment as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are some steps you can take to alleviate pain and prevent further damage. For example, if you’re experiencing pain or swelling, you can use a cold compress and take Motrin to reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Emergency Dentist in Murrieta

At Springs Dental, we understand that dental emergencies can happen at any time, and we are here to provide you with the care and support you need. Dr. Pulsipher is available for emergency appointments, and we will work to schedule you as soon as possible. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, be sure to get in touch with our office immediately. New patients are always welcome.