Dental emergencies can be scary and painful, but knowing how to handle them can make all the difference. At DiBartola Dental, our Bridgeville dentist, Dr. Wayne DiBartola, can help you understand the different types of dental emergencies and what steps to take if one occurs.
Learn more by dialing (412) 221-9440 or reading the helpful guide below.
If you’re experiencing severe pain, bleeding, or swelling in your mouth, or if you have a broken tooth or jaw, it’s considered a dental emergency. Any injury to your mouth that results in bleeding or cuts to your lips, tongue, or inside of your mouth that won’t stop bleeding after applying pressure for 15 minutes is also considered a dental emergency. Additionally, if you have a loose or knocked-out tooth, seek immediate dental care.
There are several common dental emergencies you may encounter, including:
If you experience a dental emergency, the first thing to do is remain calm. There are some immediate steps you’ll want to take based on the emergency you’re experiencing.
If you have a broken or chipped tooth, you should rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Take over-the-counter pain medication if necessary. Cover the broken or chipped tooth with dental cement or sugarless gum to protect it.
Schedule an appointment with your Bridgeville emergency dentist as soon as possible. If you have a broken piece of the tooth, bring it with you so they can repair the tooth.
If you have a knocked-out tooth, retrieve it but be careful to hold it by the crown (not the root) and rinse it gently with water. Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket if possible, or place it in a container of milk or saliva to keep it moist. Visit our Bridgeville dental office or emergency room immediately. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, the dentist may be able to reimplant it using emergency dental procedures.
If you’re experiencing a toothache or a dental abscess, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. You can also use dental floss to remove any food particles. Apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter pain medication if necessary. See your Bridgeville emergency dentist as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of the toothache or abscess.
Did you lose a dental filling or crown? Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Cover the exposed tooth with dental cement or sugarless gum to prevent further damage. Schedule an appointment to see your Bridgeville dentist as soon as possible to replace the filling or crown.
If you have braces, it’s important to be careful when eating or participating in activities that could damage your braces or wires. However, accidents can still happen, and you may find yourself with a broken bracket or wire. Here’s what you should do if this happens:
If you have a dental emergency while traveling, try to locate a local dentist or emergency room. It’s also a good idea to carry the contact information for your regular dentist with you while traveling. If you’re unable to find a dentist, contact your Bridgeville dentist by dialing (412) 221-9440 for advice.
While dental emergencies can happen to anyone, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Here are some tips for preventing dental emergencies:
Dental emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important to be prepared. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact DiBartola Dental by dialing [phone number] as soon as possible. Quick action can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. DiBartola Dental serves new and returning patients from Bridgeville and surrounding areas.
Call 412-221-9440 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.