Dental Emergency: What to Do

What To Do if You Have a Dental Emergency

A dental emergency can be a nerve-wracking experience, but knowing what steps to take can help you manage the situation effectively. Whether you’re dealing with a severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a dental injury, staying informed is key to protecting your oral health.

At North East Dental Arts, our emergency dentist in North East, PA, is here to help you navigate dental emergencies with same-day or walk-in appointments. Call our North East dental practice at (814) 725-4700 for immediate assistance.

Actions to Take During a Dental Emergency

When a dental emergency strikes, it’s best to know what steps to take to minimize pain, reduce swelling, and prevent further damage. During a dental emergency, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Stay calm and assess the situation to determine the severity of the emergency, such as:

• Assess your pain 
• Take note of any bleeding
• Contact your dentist

At North East Dental Arts, our dentists offer emergency dental care. Contact our North East emergency dentist as soon as possible to get your dental problems under control.

When to Visit the Emergency Room

While many dental emergencies can be treated by a dentist, certain conditions may require a trip to the ER:

• Severe swelling or infection: Accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing, or breathing.
• Uncontrolled bleeding: After dental trauma or a tooth extraction.
• Facial or jaw injuries: Suspected fractures or dislocations.
• Dental trauma outside office hours: If a knocked-out tooth cannot wait for regular dental care.

Handling Dental Trauma

Dental trauma refers to injuries that affect the teeth, gums, or mouth due to accidents, sports-related incidents, or other traumatic events. Providing proper first aid emergency care for dental injuries can make a significant difference in preserving the affected teeth and reducing potential complications.

If you’ve undergone dental trauma, do the following:

• Stay calm and assess the situation
• Try to re-implant the tooth if knocked out
• Control bleeding and alleviate pain with a cold compress or OTCs
• Preserve fractured tooth pieces
• Seek immediate dental care

Managing Dental Pain at Home

Dealing with dental pain can be distressing, especially when immediate dental care isn’t readily available. For temporary relief before your dental visit, try these tips to manage dental pain:

• Rinse with a mild saltwater solution.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
• Avoid hard, sticky, or hot foods.

Please note these home remedies are temporary solutions. Always seek professional care to address the root cause of your dental pain.

Emergency Dental Care for North East, PA, Patients

At North East Dental Arts, we understand the urgency of dental emergencies. Our team is equipped to handle urgent dental care needs for patients in North East, Erie, Ripley, Findley Lake, and the surrounding areas.

How We Can Help:

• Same-day emergency appointments.
• Advanced care for dental trauma, infections, and other urgent conditions.
• Supportive care and sedation dentistry options for patients with dental anxiety or phobia.

Dental Emergencies While Traveling Abroad

Traveling comes with its share of risks, including unexpected dental emergencies. Be prepared with these tips:

1. Research local emergency dental services before your trip.
2. Carry essential documents, including dental insurance information.
3. Contact your home dentist for guidance.
4. Seek immediate care for severe pain, bleeding, or trauma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can stress or anxiety contribute to dental pain?

Yes, stress and anxiety can contribute to dental pain or exacerbate conditions such as teeth grinding or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Managing stress through relaxation techniques or seeking professional support can help alleviate dental pain associated with these factors and help prevent dental emergencies.

What should I do if I have a severe toothache?

If you have a severe toothache, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and use dental floss to remove any food debris, and avoid placing an aspirin or other pain relievers directly on the tooth. Over-the-counter pain relievers may provide temporary relief, but dental evaluation and treatment are necessary to address the underlying cause of the toothache.

What are the most common dental emergencies?

Here are some of the most common dental emergencies:

• Toothaches
• Knocked-out teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Abscesses
• Lost dental fillings or crowns
• Soft tissue injuries
• Dental trauma from sports or accidents

Don’t Wait—Act Fast in a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies require quick action to minimize pain and prevent complications. At North East Dental Arts, we’re committed to providing compassionate, expert care when you need it most.

Contact our North East dental office at (814) 725-4700 for emergency dental services. We proudly serve patients in North East, Erie, Ripley, Findley Lake, and surrounding areas. Let us help you restore your smile and oral health!