Handling a Dental Emergency

While taking care of your oral health, you have less of a chance of further health issues. However, anyone can be at risk for a dental emergency, even if you take solid care of your teeth. Drs. Gregory Hillyard and Alexandra Hillyard Monroe discuss your options for emergency dentistry in Media, PA.emergency dentist in media, pennsylvania

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is something that happens suddenly and requires immediate attention. Call our office immediately if you’re experiencing an emergency situation. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most common dental emergencies and what you can do until you’re seen in the office.

Tooth Pain

A toothache, especially if it’s sharp or comes on suddenly, isn’t something you should just brush off. There are many things that can cause tooth pain and it may be hard to determine the cause until examined by a professional. Issues can include severe tooth decay, an abscess, or an infection. Ease the pain with over the counter pain medications and use a cold compress if there’s any swelling.

Knocked-Out Tooth

It’s natural to want to panic when an adult tooth is knocked out. However, it’s important to make sure you stay calm enough to properly retrieve the tooth. Make sure you pick it up by the crown and avoid touching the roots. Gently rinse off any dirt or debris that may have accumulated, without scrubbing. Place the tooth in a cup of milk or your own saliva to preserve it for as long as possible.

When you get to the office, we’ll analyze the tooth and determine if it’s viable to be placed back in the mouth. If it isn’t, you don’t have to worry too much. Our office offers many options to replace missing teeth. In particular, we recommend dental implants. However, we’ll help you find the best option for your specific case.

Damaged Tooth

There are many types of damage that can occur to your teeth. If you’re lucky, it’ll simply be a cosmetic chip or break. However, it’s when it’s more serious that it then becomes a dental emergency. If your tooth chips or breaks, try to find the piece that broke off. Be careful to avoid touching the exposed dental nerves as much as possible, as that can cause pain.

If your tooth is cracked, don’t try to glue it together or hold it in place. Try to avoid touching the area, as you don’t want to get bacteria into the dental pulp that causes an infection. Typically, we’ll evaluate the crack and will usually treat a cracked tooth with a dental crown. The crown can go completely over the tooth, holding the pieces together.

Emergency Dentistry in Media, Pennsylvania

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, please call us immediately. For dental issues and questions that don’t need immediate medical attention, call us or schedule an appointment online.