What Should You Do in a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency can happen at any time, and when it does, knowing what to do can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth. At Stefan Family Dental, we provide urgent dental care in Westerville, OH, to help patients relieve pain and restore their smiles as quickly as possible. Whether you’re dealing with a knocked-out tooth, severe tooth pain, or a broken crown, acting fast is essential.
This Article Will Address:
- What qualifies as a dental emergency
- Immediate steps to take for common dental emergencies
- How Stefan Family Dental handles emergency cases
- Preventative tips to avoid future dental emergencies
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental issue requires immediate care, but some conditions demand urgent attention to prevent further damage or infection. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s essential to contact our office right away:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Knocked-out, loose, or broken teeth
- Excessive bleeding from the gums or mouth
- Lost or damaged fillings, crowns, or restorations
- Swelling or signs of infection (such as an abscess)
If you’re unsure whether your situation is an emergency, give our office a call. Our team will assess your symptoms and guide you on the next steps.
How Stefan Family Dental Handles Emergency Cases:
When you face a dental emergency, you need a trusted local dentist who can provide fast, expert care. At Stefan Family Dental, we offer:
- Same-day emergency appointments whenever possible
- Advanced technology like digital X-rays and intraoral cameras for accurate diagnosis
- Compassionate care from an experienced dental team
Our priority is your comfort and oral health.
Why Is Immediate Dental Treatment Important?
Delaying treatment for a dental emergency can lead to severe pain, infection, and permanent tooth loss. Acting fast can:
- Prevent Tooth Loss – A knocked-out tooth must be reinserted within 30-60 minutes for the best chance of saving it.
- Stop Infection from Spreading – Untreated abscesses can lead to serious health risks, including sepsis.
- Avoid Costly Procedures – A small issue left untreated can require root canals, extractions, or implants later.
- Protect Long-Term Oral Health – Missing teeth can cause bone loss and bite misalignment.
What Should You Do if You Knock Out a Tooth?
Losing a tooth due to an accident or injury is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. If this happens:
- Handle the tooth by the crown, avoiding the root
- Gently rinse it with water, but do not scrub or remove tissue fragments
- Try reinserting the tooth into the socket, if possible
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in a cup of milk or saliva to keep it moist
- Seek immediate dental care—the sooner you act, the higher the chances of saving the tooth
How Can You Stop Bleeding from a Dental Injury?
If you’ve suffered an injury to your mouth that causes significant bleeding, take these steps:
- Apply firm pressure with clean gauze or a cloth
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling
- If the bleeding does not stop after 10-15 minutes, seek immediate dental or medical attention
Bleeding that doesn’t subside may indicate a more serious injury that requires professional care.
What Should You Do if You Chip or Break a Tooth?
A chipped or broken tooth can expose sensitive nerve tissue, leading to pain and an increased risk of infection. If this happens:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area
- Apply a cold compress to your cheek to minimize swelling
- Save any broken pieces, if possible
- Avoid chewing on the affected side
- Contact Stefan Family Dental immediately for an appointment
Depending on the severity, we may restore the tooth with bonding, a crown, or other treatments to protect your smile.
How Do You Handle a Severe Toothache?
Tooth pain can be caused by decay, infection, or an injury. If you’re experiencing intense or throbbing pain:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation
- Floss gently to remove any trapped food
- Apply a cold compress if swelling is present
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, but avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums
- Schedule an appointment ASAP—pain is often a sign of an underlying problem that needs professional care
What Should You Do if Your Dental Crown or Filling Falls Out?
If a crown or filling falls out, it can leave the tooth vulnerable to further damage. Until you can visit our office:
- Try to place the crown back over the tooth using dental cement (available at most pharmacies)
- Avoid chewing on that side
- Keep the area clean by rinsing with warm water
- Call our office for prompt restoration
Our team will assess the situation and determine the best solution to restore your tooth’s function and appearance.
What Should You Do if You Have a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess is a serious infection that can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever. If left untreated, it can spread to other areas of the body. Signs of an abscess include:
- Swelling in the gums or face
- Pus or drainage near a tooth
- Severe, persistent pain
- Fever or swollen lymph nodes
If you suspect an abscess, contact us immediately. We may prescribe antibiotics and perform necessary treatments such as drainage, a root canal, or an extraction to remove the infection.
Can a Cracked Tooth Be Saved?
The extent of the crack determines whether a tooth can be saved. If you suspect a cracked tooth:
- Avoid chewing on the affected side
- Rinse with warm water to keep the area clean
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Call us as soon as possible for an evaluation
In many cases, we can save the tooth with bonding, a crown, or a root canal if treatment is provided early.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies:
While accidents happen, many dental emergencies can be prevented with good oral care habits. Here’s how:
- Visit us for regular checkups and cleanings
- Wear a mouthguard if you play sports
- Avoid chewing on ice, hard candies, or non-food items
- Address dental issues early before they become emergencies
Need Emergency Dental Care in Westerville, OH? Call Stefan Family Dental Today
A dental emergency can be stressful, but knowing where to turn can make all the difference. At Stefan Family Dental, we are committed to providing exceptional emergency care to protect your smile and relieve your pain.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, contact us for an urgent appointment.
Sources:
- American Dental Association – Handling Dental Emergencies
- Mayo Clinic – First Aid for Dental Trauma
- Academy of General Dentistry – Common Dental Emergencies
Dr. Zachary N. Stefan, DMD
After earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Roseman University in Salt Lake City in 2019, Dr. Stefan returned to his home state of Ohio to bring exceptional, patient-centered care to his community. As the founder of Stefan Family Dental, he is committed to crafting comprehensive treatment plans that align with each patient’s oral health goals. Known for his meticulous approach and strong emphasis on communication, Dr. Stefan works to ensure his patients feel informed and empowered throughout their dental journey. He is an active member of the American Dental Association and Ohio Dental Association, dedicated to lifelong learning and professional excellence.