Immediate Care for Your Smile
A dental emergency can happen when you least expect it. That’s why it’s important to understand the steps you need to take when this does happen. Should you call your dentist? Go to the emergency room? What qualifies as a dental emergency? At Oelwein Dental Associates, Dr. Adam Kruger and our team of dental professionals are here to help. The most important thing to remember is to remain calm and follow our guide below for your smile.
Should I Go to the Emergency Room?
No! Most emergency rooms are not trained or equipped to handle dental emergencies. You’ll likely have to wait around for several hours, only for them to tell you to call your dentist. At that point, it may already be too late to save your tooth. Dr. Kruger recommends you call us immediately to give your smile the proper dental care it deserves.
If you do end up going to the ER as a result of bodily injury and your teeth get damaged, we can help during your recovery to ensure your smile stays healthy in the future.
Understanding Dental Emergencies
The first thing you should do is call us if you have a dental emergency. Since oral injuries normally bleed a lot, an injury may seem much worse than it is. You should gently rinse your mouth with water to get a clear picture of what’s going on. Dr. Kruger will determine if you need to come into our office by hearing about your symptoms over the phone.
Common dental injuries we can see on the same day include:
- Having a fallen or damaged tooth
- Pus-filled pimples due to periodontal disease
- Visible signs of a severe oral complication
- Hole in your cheeks or gums
- Persistent pain
Handling a Fallen Tooth
There are certain steps you can take if your tooth is knocked out:
- Step 1: Pick up the tooth carefully by the crown, NOT the root. This will ensure there won’t be any additional damage done to your tooth.
- Step 2: Gently rinse the tooth with water if it’s dirty. Do NOT use any soap or chemicals, nor should you dry the tooth with a tissue or cloth afterward.
- Step 3: Place your tooth back into its socket immediately if it’s possible. Make sure it’s facing the right direction and keep it in place with your fingers.
- Step 4: If your tooth can’t be placed back in the socket, place it inside your mouth next to your cheek to keep it moist or in a cup of milk, NOT WATER.
If your child’s baby tooth is loosened by an injury or is being pushed out by an adult tooth, try letting your child bite gently on an apple or piece of candy. Sometimes, the tooth will easily come out of the surrounding tissue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s considered a dental emergency?
A dental emergency requires immediate intervention to stop any bleeding or pain, or help preserve your tooth. If you have a dental emergency, reach out to your dentist and explain your symptoms so they can help determine whether you need immediate care or to schedule a later appointment. They’ll also instruct you on what steps you should take to keep your particular dental issue under control and ensure you get the best results possible.
How can I help my child if their baby tooth falls out?
Contact your child’s dentist if their baby tooth becomes loose or falls out. If your child gets injured or their tooth falls out due to trauma, their oral care provider will be able to determine the best course of action. Even if it’s only a baby tooth, it’s still necessary to seek immediate dental care to confirm there’s no further trauma or issues.
What if I can’t get an emergency dental appointment?
Your primary care dentist may be able to refer you to another dental office in your area to ensure your teeth get the attention they need if they aren’t available. They can also recommend guidance for you during your emergency to lower the risk of complications. The next time you visit your dentist, be sure to ask them what their protocol is for a dental emergency.
Should I go to the ER for a dental emergency?
It’s not advisable to visit the ER for just a dental emergency. Only a dentist can help with a dental emergency since they have the necessary equipment and expertise to fix any immediate complications with your smile. If your teeth get damaged due to a bodily injury, your dentist will be able to help you during the recovery process if you do end up going to the ER.
Contact Dr. Kruger for Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can happen to anyone. That’s why Dr. Kruger and our team of dental professionals provide crucial care for patients to quickly resolve their oral health issues. If you break or chip a tooth, know we’re here to help and provide you with personalized, quality care. Call our Oelwein, IA office at (319) 283-4222 or our West Union, IA practice at (563) 422-6292 for more information. We serve patients in Hazleton, Fairbank, Douglas, and Eldorado, IA.