pay your bill

Common Dental Emergencies and First Aid

Posted .

You should see an emergency dentist if you are experiencing dental problems such as bleeding, serious infections, or cracked or knocked-out teeth. Westwood Dental in Draper, UT, provides emergency dental treatments and procedures that provide the best possible outcomes.

Common Dental Emergencies

  • Abscesses/Infections

Abscesses and infections are commonly caused by poor dental hygiene or gum disease. If you have a chronic health condition, such as diabetes, you may be at a higher risk. If not treated promptly, oral infections can spread throughout the body.

  • Cracked or Broken Tooth/Teeth

A broken tooth can occur as a result of biting down on hard foods or candy, or by trauma to the face. If you have a fractured tooth, you must recover the missing parts and immediately see a dentist so that the tooth can be fixed.

  • Knocked-Out Teeth

Having one or more teeth knocked out is a dental emergency. A knocked-out tooth is frequently caused by accidents or trauma to the face. If you manage to recover the knocked-out tooth/teeth and see a dentist as soon as possible, they may be able to reimplant the teeth.

  • Severe Toothache

Severe toothaches can be caused by cavities, the loss of a filling, gum disease, or inflammation. You should see a dentist as soon as possible to determine the source of the pain and get treatment.

First Aid for Dental Emergencies

  • Cold Compresses and Pain Relievers

For oral injuries, swelling, and toothaches, applying a cold and wet washcloth or an ice pack to the side of your face may be beneficial. You can also take a pain reliever, such as Tylenol, or use an oral anesthetic to assist in minimizing pain before you get to an emergency dentist’s office.

  • If Possible, Locate Knocked-Out Teeth or Broken Parts

Find the missing fragments or the knocked-out tooth and save them for reimplantation or reattachment. When dealing with teeth that have been entirely knocked out, it is critical not to touch the root. If possible, clean the tooth and bite down on a clean, sterile piece of gauze until you reach the dentist to maximize your chances of restoring the tooth.

  • Mouth Rinse 

Before you visit an emergency dentist, you can use a warm salt water mouth rinse to relieve discomfort and draw out infections if you have a mouth injury, an infection, an abscess, or a toothache.

At Westwood Dental, our experienced team provides emergency dental care for patients in  Draper, Utah. To schedule an appointment, call (801) 716-7006 or visit our office at 11576 S State St Suite #1201, Draper, UT 84020.