No one plans for a dental emergency. Whether it’s a sudden toothache that keeps you up at night, a slip on the ice, or an injury on the sports field, dental trauma often happens when you least expect it. At North Royalton Family Dental, we know how stressful these moments can be. The good news is that knowing how to react in those first few critical minutes can often mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
Dr. Nathaniel M. Taylor and our entire dental team are here to support you when the unexpected happens. While your first instinct might be to panic, staying calm and taking the right steps immediately can significantly improve your outcome. Here is a guide to handling common dental emergencies until you can reach our office.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
It can sometimes be hard to tell if you need immediate care or if the issue can wait for a scheduled appointment. In general, if you are experiencing severe discomfort, bleeding that won’t stop, or have a loose or knocked-out permanent tooth, you have an emergency.
If you are unsure, we always encourage patients to call us. We can help assess the situation over the phone and determine if you need to be seen right away.
Common Emergencies and Immediate First Aid
If you or a family member faces a dental injury, time is of the essence. Here are the steps you should take for the most common urgent situations:
1. A Knocked-Out Tooth
This is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, there is a small window of opportunity to re-implant it successfully.
- Handle with care: Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), never by the root. Touching the root can damage the cells needed for bone re-attachment.
- Rinse gently: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly with water. Do not scrub it or use soap.
- Reinsert if possible: Try to place the tooth back into the socket immediately and hold it in place with a clean finger or by biting down gently on a piece of gauze.
- Keep it moist: If you can’t put it back in the socket, place the tooth in a container of milk or hold it inside your cheek. Do not store it in water, as this can damage the root surface cells.
- Call us immediately: See us as soon as possible—ideally within 30 minutes.
2. A Cracked or Chipped Tooth
A cracked tooth can be alarming, but the severity depends on the depth of the crack.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- If there is swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.
- If you can find the broken piece of tooth, bring it with you to the appointment.
3. Severe Toothache
Persistent, throbbing pain often indicates an infection or an abscess.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Use dental floss to gently remove any food particles caught between your teeth.
- Avoid putting aspirin directly on the gums, as this can burn the tissue.
- Contact us right away, as infections can spread if left untreated.
4. Lost Crown or Filling
If a restoration falls out, your tooth may be sensitive to temperature and pressure.
- Keep the crown if you have it; in some cases, Dr. Taylor may be able to re-cement it.
- You can use over-the-counter dental cement (available at most pharmacies) to temporarily cover the tooth or hold the crown in place until your appointment.
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
While accidents happen, many dental emergencies can be prevented. If you or your child participates in contact sports, we highly recommend a custom-fitted mouthguard. Unlike generic store-bought versions, a custom guard provides superior protection and comfort.
Additionally, routine check-ups are vital. Often, what feels like a sudden toothache is actually the result of a long-standing issue, such as a small cavity or a crack, that has worsened over time. Regular visits allow our team to catch these problems early before they turn into painful emergencies.
We Are Here for You
When you trust North Royalton Family Dental with your smile, you are choosing a partner in your health. We prioritize emergency cases and do our best to get you comfortable and back to your daily life as quickly as possible.
If you are experiencing dental discomfort or have suffered an injury, please do not hesitate to request an appointment. Your health and comfort are our top priorities.
