Emergency Dental Care

Prevention is better than cure. However, in times of dental emergencies, swift action and professional care are the keys to a speedy recovery. Dental emergencies can strike at any moment, leaving you and your loved ones in distress. At Springfield Dental, we understand the urgency of such situations. That's why our dedicated team is here to provide prompt and compassionate emergency dental care for kids and families in Springfield Dental, Massachusetts.

Common Dental Emergencies

• A severe toothache, often accompanied by throbbing pain, sensitivity to temperature, or swelling, indicates an underlying issue such as infection or decay. It requires immediate dental attention for diagnosis and relief.
• A badly cracked tooth, characterized by sharp pain upon chewing or exposure to hot or cold stimuli, poses a risk of further fracturing or infection. Urgent dental intervention is necessary to assess and address the extent of damage.
• A knocked-out tooth, if promptly and properly handled, offers the possibility of successful re-implantation. Therefore, immediate dental care is crucial to clean the tooth, preserve its viability, and reposition it in the socket.
• An extruded tooth, partially dislodged from its socket due to trauma, requires immediate attention to prevent further displacement or damage. Dental intervention aims at repositioning and stabilizing the tooth to promote healing.
• A dental abscess, characterized by swelling, pain, and sometimes fever, signifies a severe infection originating from the tooth's root or surrounding tissues. Urgent treatment is necessary to drain the abscess, alleviate symptoms, and prevent complications.
• Lost or broken dental restorations, such as crowns or fillings, leave the affected tooth vulnerable to decay or further damage. Prompt dental care is needed to repair or replace the restoration and protect dental health.
• Severe soft tissue injuries, like a busted lip or deep cut inside the mouth, can lead to significant bleeding, pain, and risk of infection. Immediate assessment and treatment are crucial to control bleeding, clean the wound, and promote healing.

Toothache

If you're dealing with a severe toothache, start by rinsing your mouth with warm water and using dental floss to dislodge any trapped food particles. If there's swelling, applying a cool compress to the outside of your lips or cheek can help. For pain relief, you can take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen (avoid applying aspirin directly to your gums or teeth). It's essential to see your dentist as soon as possible to address the underlying issue.

Broken Tooth

In the case of badly cracked teeth, save any broken fragments and rinse your mouth with warm water. If there's bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a piece of gauze for about 10 minutes or until it stops. Using a cool compress can help reduce discomfort and swelling around the affected area. Don't delay in visiting your dentist to assess and treat the cracked tooth promptly.

Knocked-Out Tooth

For knocked-out teeth, it's crucial to act quickly. Retrieve the tooth, holding it by the crown (the part typically visible above your gums), and carefully clean the tooth root with water. Avoid removing any connected tissue pieces. If possible, try placing the tooth back into its socket, ensuring it's positioned correctly without forcing it. If reinsertion isn't feasible, store the tooth in a small container of milk (or a cup of water with a teaspoon of table salt if milk isn't available) or a product like Save-a-Tooth®. Then, visit your dentist as soon as possible, as they have the best chance of preserving the tooth.

For an extruded or partly dislodged tooth, immediate dental attention is necessary. While en route to your dentist's office, apply a cool compress to the outside of your mouth or the affected cheek to alleviate discomfort. Additionally, you can take over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen as needed.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a serious infection characterized by swelling and pimple-like formations around the base of a tooth or in the space between your teeth and gums. This infection can cause harm to surrounding tissue and adjacent teeth and, if left untreated, may lead to swelling in your cheek or jaw and spread to other parts of your body. If you suspect you have a tooth abscess, it's imperative to visit your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can help relieve discomfort and encourage pus drainage by rinsing your mouth several times a day with a mild saltwater solution (mixing 1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water).

Broken Restorations

In the event of lost or shattered dental restorations, such as fillings, it's not uncommon for them to break off or become displaced over time. If you find yourself with a cracked or missing filling, you can temporarily address the issue by inserting a piece of sugarless gum (avoiding sugar-filled gum as it can cause discomfort) or using over-the-counter dental cement. However, it's crucial to schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible for proper assessment and restoration.

If you have a fractured dental crown or bridge, it's essential to schedule an appointment with your dentist promptly and bring the restoration with you. If feasible, try to reinsert the restoration. Before doing so, cover the inside surface with over-the-counter dental cement, toothpaste, or denture glue to help secure the restoration in place.

Soft Tissue Injuries

For severe soft tissue injuries, such as those affecting your tongue, cheeks, gums, or lips, bleeding may occur. To control the bleeding, follow these steps:

• Rinse your mouth with a gentle saltwater solution.
• Apply pressure to the bleeding spot using wet gauze or a caffeinated tea bag. Hold it in place for 15-20 minutes. (Tea contains tannic acid, which helps shrink blood vessels and reduce bleeding.)
• To further stop bleeding and alleviate pain, apply a cool compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek in the affected area for five to ten minutes.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

• Stay Calm: Panicking will only exacerbate the situation. Take deep breaths and try to remain calm.
• Assess the Situation: Evaluate the severity of the injury or pain. If it's a life-threatening emergency, such as excessive bleeding or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
• Contact Our Office: In case of a dental emergency, don't hesitate to call our office. Our team at Springfield Dental will provide guidance and schedule an appointment at the earliest convenience.