A dental disaster can happen at any time, and knowing what to do until you can see a dentist can make all the difference in saving your tooth or preventing further damage. Here are seven common dental emergencies and the steps to take until you can be seen in our dental office:

  1. Toothache – Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the affected area. Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed. Avoid placing aspirin on the tooth or gum.
  2. Knocked-Out Tooth – Gently rinse the tooth with water and place it back in its socket if possible. If not, store it in a cup of milk or water. Apply a cold compress to the affected area.
  3. Loose Tooth – Apply a cold compress to the area around the tooth and avoid touching the tooth. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
  4. Cracked Tooth – Use warm water to gently rinse your mouth and apply a cold compress to the affected area. Avoid chewing on the tooth.
  5. Lost Filling – Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the affected area. Use a temporary filling material like sugar-free gum or a dental filling material if available.
  6. Abscessed Tooth – Use warm saltwater to rinse your mouth several times a day. Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the area around the tooth.
  7. Bleeding Gums – Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the affected area.

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us! Remember, prompt treatment can make all the difference in saving your tooth and preventing further damage. Call us now at 317-682-0884 for an emergency appointment. If you have a non-emergency need, you can also make an appointment online.