Unexpected dental emergencies occur when many dental offices are closed for the night, and you need a plan of action when sudden pain disrupts your routine. While panic may occur, staying calm allows you to address the situation much better. Quick decisions may prevent permanent damage, and they help you manage pain more effectively. Here is what to do after hours when you need emergency dental care:
Rinse Mouth With Salt Water
Warm water cleanses the affected area gently without causing additional shock to your nerves. Salt helps reduce swelling, and it soothes the irritated gum tissue very effectively. If you have debris stuck between teeth, rinsing might dislodge it without needing floss. Mix about one teaspoon of salt into a small cup of water for ideal results.
Do not use hot water because extreme heat aggravates sensitive or exposed nerve endings. Cold water triggers sharp pain, so you should avoid ice-cold temperatures for rinsing. Lukewarm temperatures are generally safest for broken teeth or bleeding gums in your mouth. Before putting the liquid in your mouth, test the water temperature on your wrist.
Reinsert Knocked-out Teeth
Timing matters when saving a permanent tooth that has fallen out completely. Hold the tooth by the crown, but do not touch the sensitive root surface. Because roots are vulnerable, oils from your skin may damage them very quickly. You must act fast for a better chance of successful reattachment.
If it fell onto a dirty floor or the ground, rinse the tooth gently. Do not scrub the root or use soap to clean the tooth surface. Scrubbing removes living tissue, and it reduces the chance of the tooth healing. Keep the water stream gentle to protect the delicate ligaments on the root surface.
Try placing the clean tooth back into the empty socket immediately after rinsing it. If it slides in easily, hold it in place with a clean piece of gauze. Bite down gently on the fabric, but do not force the tooth into position. This keeps the tooth secure until you arrive at the emergency dental office.
Assess Severity
Not every dental issue requires immediate treatment at an emergency clinic late at night. If bleeding does not stop after pressure, you must seek help right away. Inspect the injury closely in a mirror, and check for signs of infection. Swelling that spreads to your eye or neck indicates a serious bacterial infection, and you need immediate attention.
Contact Dentist
Dental offices may have an emergency number on their voicemail for after-hours patient needs. Call this line immediately when you realize you need emergency dental care for your injury. Leave a clear message, and wait for the dentist to return your call. Provide specific details, including the following:
- Current pain level
- Exact time of injury
- Main symptoms experienced
- Pharmacy preference
Find Emergency Dental Care
You might need an urgent care clinic if the dentist is unavailable by phone. Go to the emergency room for severe trauma, difficulty breathing, or swallowing. Hospitals treat the pain, and they often provide antibiotics for dangerous oral infections. Contact a dental clinic immediately to schedule your emergency dental examination and treatment.
