Roughly 2 million people visit hospital emergency departments in the U.S. annually for dental emergencies. What could be a low-cost same-day dental visit average over $700 for an urgent hospital visit. When a dental emergency occurs you need to get to a dental office as quickly as possible.
What Is A Dental Emergency?
If you are experiencing extreme discomfort and pain, even if not listed below, we advise you to contact us immediately. Here are the most common dental emergencies people experience and signs to look out for:
- Lost tooth.
- Abscess tooth (a bump on gums with a white surface, fever, tender lymph nodes, toothache).
- Severe toothache.
- Lost crown or filling.
- Sensitivity to cold, heat, pressure, or air.
- Swollen jaw or mouth.
- Tender to touch, sore gums, bleeding.
- Severe pain or bleeding.
- Swollen gums, bleeding gums.
- Cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth.
- Sore teeth, exposed nerves.
- Food or object lodged in teeth causing pain or sensitivity.
When Should You Contact Your Dentist
If you are experiencing the above symptoms, extreme pain, discomfort, or excessive bleeding do not tough it out. Call us immediately.
We understand that dealing with a dental emergency is a frustrating and painful experience. Until your appointment, we have provided some best practices to ease your discomfort. With immediate care and appropriate response, you can prevent further damage and restore long-term oral health.
Dental Emergency Immediate Care
- Lost tooth. Pick up the tooth without touching the root, rinse gently without scrubbing, and reinsert the tooth, if you are unable to reinsert then place the tooth between cheek and jaw, in milk, or in water with a pinch of salt until your appointment.
- Abscess tooth. Rinse your mouth with a mild water solution, and apply a cold compress to swollen area externally.
- Severe toothache. Floss gently to remove any food caught between teeth. Rinse your mouth with warm water and a pinch of salt, and apply a cold compress to the impacted area externally.
- Lost crown or filling. Save crown or filling, if possible, store crown or filling in an air-tight zip-top bag. Fill the gap with sugarless gum. Do not attempt to reinsert the filling or apply the crown.
- Swollen jaw or mouth. Apply cold compress externally to swollen or sore areas.
- Severe pain or bleeding. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water and a pinch of salt. Apply gauze to the area of bleeding. Apply cold compress externally.
- Cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth. Immediately rinse your mouth with warm water and a pinch of salt. Apply gauze to the area of bleeding. Apply cold compress externally.
- Food or object lodged in teeth. Floss gently to remove any food caught between teeth. Rinse your mouth with warm water and a pinch of salt, and apply a cold compress to the impacted area if necessary.
We Are Here For You
Aside from dental emergencies, your daily oral health routine and regular dental check-ups are vital to your long-term health and preventative care. Has it been a while since your last visit? Schedule an appointment at Greeley Dental Health today.