Dental emergencies can strike at any time, and knowing how to respond can make all the difference in protecting your oral health. At Signature Smiles Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to helping you handle unexpected dental issues with confidence and ease. Below, we discuss some of the most common dental emergencies and their treatments to keep you prepared.
What causes it?
Toothaches are often caused by cavities, infections, or trauma to the tooth.
What to do:
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
Use dental floss to remove any food particles stuck between teeth.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, but do not place aspirin directly on the tooth.
Treatment:
At Signature Smiles, we’ll examine the affected tooth, take X-rays if needed, and determine the cause of the pain. Treatment may include a filling, root canal therapy, or other restorative options depending on the severity.
What causes it?
Biting down on something hard, falls, or other injuries can cause a tooth to chip or crack.
What to do:
Rinse your mouth with warm water.
Save any broken tooth fragments, if possible.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Treatment:
We’ll repair the damage with bonding, a dental crown, or veneers, depending on the size and location of the break. If the pulp is damaged, a root canal may be necessary.
What causes it?
Trauma or accidents, such as sports injuries or falls, can cause a tooth to be completely dislodged.
What to do:
Carefully pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root).
Gently rinse the tooth with water without scrubbing it.
Try to place the tooth back in its socket. If this isn’t possible, keep it in a container of milk or saliva.
Seek immediate dental care within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Treatment:
We will attempt to reimplant the tooth. If the tooth cannot be saved, options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures will be discussed.
What causes it?
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection, often due to severe tooth decay, gum disease, or an untreated injury.
What to do:
Rinse your mouth with saltwater to help reduce pain and draw out some of the infection.
Avoid chewing on the affected side of the mouth.
Seek emergency dental care immediately, as abscesses can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Treatment:
Treatment typically involves draining the abscess, performing root canal therapy, or, in severe cases, extracting the affected tooth. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to control the infection.
What causes it?
Decay or damage to a tooth can loosen or dislodge a filling or crown.
What to do:
Keep the crown or filling safe if you can find it.
Use over-the-counter dental cement or toothpaste as a temporary fix to cover the area.
Avoid chewing on the affected tooth.
Treatment:
We will assess the tooth and restore it with a new filling or crown to protect it from further damage.
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but knowing how to act quickly and seeking prompt care can save your teeth and prevent further issues. At Signature Smiles, we offer expert emergency dental care to address any urgent problems. If you’re facing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us right away. Your smile is our priority.
For more information or to book an appointment, fill out the form below or call one of our two locations.
Our team will review your information.
A staff member will contact you as soon as possible.
We will work with you to schedule an appointment.
Manchester Office
Hamden Office
Manchester Office Hours
Saturday hours by special request only
Hamden Office Hours
Signature Smiles Family Dentistry & Implant Center
Signature Smiles Dental Implant Center