A chipped, broken, or cracked tooth
At first, this may not seem like an emergency situation. However, a cracked tooth can easily and quickly collect bacteria, and the crack in the tooth can easily get bigger and bigger. A damaged tooth with a sharp edge can also cut the inside of your mouth.
If you have pieces of the tooth, rinse and save them. Rinse out your mouth with warm water and place a cotton ball or gauze in between the tooth and your cheek to prevent injury to the tissue. Use a cold compress on the outside of the mouth to keep swelling down.
A tooth that has been knocked out
If this happens to you, pick up the tooth carefully, holding it by the crown, never the roots. Rinse the tooth carefully with water. Don’t rub it to remove debris or wash off any tissue that remains on the roots. Rinse your mouth with warm water. If you can, put the tooth back into its empty socket; you can use a tea bag, some gauze, or a cotton ball to help it stay in place. You want to keep your tooth moist at all times, so if putting it back into the socket won’t work, place it in a cup of milk or even a cup with some of your own saliva in it. A cold compress outside of the mouth can help with pain and swelling.
If you have a tooth emergency, follow these steps, and then call your dentist as soon as possible. Pacific Northwest Smiles provides emergency dental services and they are here to help! Have the number stored in your phone in case of an emergency – call 425-357-6400 right away.
How Can Your Dentist Help During a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency requires prompt attention to assess the damage and determine the appropriate treatment. At Pacific Northwest Smiles, Dr. Darren Greenhalgh can evaluate chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth and recommend treatment based on the severity of the injury. Depending on the situation, care may involve repairing a damaged tooth, attempting to save a knocked-out permanent tooth, or discussing other restorative options.
Dental emergencies can leave patients feeling anxious and unsure about what to do next. Clear communication from the dental team can help them understand the urgency of their situation and the treatment options available. The Dental Marketing Secrets Podcast explores how dental practices improve patient communication and build trust throughout the care experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly should you see a dentist after knocking out a tooth?
Immediately. A knocked-out permanent tooth has the best chance of being saved when treated within 30 to 60 minutes. Keep the tooth moist and seek emergency dental care right away.
Is a chipped tooth considered a dental emergency?
A minor chip without pain may not require immediate treatment, but it should still be evaluated. Deep cracks, severe pain, bleeding, or exposed tooth tissue require urgent dental attention.
Where can I get emergency dental care in Mill Creek, WA?
Pacific Northwest Smiles in Mill Creek, WA, provides emergency dental services for damaged teeth and other urgent dental concerns. Call 425-357-6400 to discuss your symptoms and appointment availability.