You bite down on the delicious food you’re enjoying, and you suddenly feel pain in your mouth. You’re going about your day driving to work when you notice throbbing pain in your jaw. Or, you accidentally run into a doorway, and one of your front teeth loses a piece of it.
All of these things aren’t pleasant, and we hope none of these situations happen to you. However, an emergency dentist in Springfield, MO, can help diagnose and treat a medical emergency inside your mouth. Our guide from Parkcrest Dental explains in our complete guide to emergency dental treatments.
Table of Contents
What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency typically involves severe pain, trauma, or an infection that cannot wait for a regular appointment. If you have trouble going about your daily activities, cannot sleep due to the pain in your mouth, or cannot speak clearly due to the pain, we highly recommend seeing an emergency dentist in Springfield, MO, to get treatment right away.
These scenarios are the most common ones we see when it comes to a dental emergency in Springfield, MO:
Severe Toothache
Intense, persistent tooth pain, especially if it’s throbbing or worsening, could indicate a serious issue such as an abscess or infection. A toothache that doesn’t go away or gets worse should be seen immediately.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Accidents or injuries that result in a cracked or broken tooth can cause significant discomfort and may lead to further damage or infection. For example, you accidentally fall and hit your face against a hard object. If you play sports, a sudden blow to the face can cause this kind of injury.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth is completely dislodged, it’s vital to act fast. Re-implantation is possible if done within an hour. A dentist can provide the right kind of treatment once your doctor sees you.
Lost Filling or Crown
Fillings or crowns may fall out eventually, either due to age or chewing on a hard piece of food. While not always causing immediate pain, losing a filling or crown can leave a tooth vulnerable to damage and decay. Replacing the crown as soon as possible helps protect the tooth structure and prevent further issues.
Injuries to the Gums, Cheeks, or Tongue
If your gums, cheeks, or tongue start to bleed or have pain, it may be difficult to go about your day. Prompt attention helps prevent infection and promotes proper healing. Your emergency dentist in Springfield, MO, can help alleviate pain while also treating the injury.
Abscesses & Infections
Signs of swelling, redness, or pus around the gums or teeth often indicate an abscessed tooth or a serious infection. These conditions can spread rapidly and require urgent treatment with a dentist.
If an emergency dentist isn’t available, consider going to an urgent care center or emergency room to help manage the pain until you can be seen by a dental expert.
First Aid for Dental Emergencies
Quick and effective first aid can make a significant difference in the outcome if you have a dental emergency. See what to do during a dental emergency until you can see a dentist.
Severe Toothache
For intense tooth pain that interferes with your daily tasks, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help reduce inflammation and clean the area. We recommend ½ teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water and swishing around for 30 seconds.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to help manage swelling and discomfort. Try to do this for around 15 minutes at a time before taking a break.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, could provide temporary relief.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any broken pieces of the chipped or broken tooth. Apply a cold compress to the affected area to minimize swelling and pain. If you can, cover the broken tooth with dental wax or sugarless gum to protect the area until you see a dentist.
If you can’t save the broken pieces of your tooth, a dentist has other treatment methods to restore the tooth as much as possible. But the first priority is going to be alleviating the pain.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Handle the tooth by the crown (the top part), not the root. Rinse it gently with milk or saline solution, not water, to preserve the root’s vitality. Keep the tooth in a container of milk or a saline solution and seek dental care immediately. Consider a cold compress or bag of ice on the outside of your mouth to reduce any swelling until you get treatment.
Lost Filling or Crown
Clean the area with warm water. You can use over-the-counter dental cement or temporary adhesive to keep the crown or filling in place until you can visit your dentist. Be careful and follow the instructions on the package, and remember this is just a temporary fix until you can see your dentist. There are no ADA-accepted dental cement products, so use caution.
Avoid eating sticky or hard foods that could worsen the situation. Choose gentle foods that are not too hot or too cold.
Injuries to the Gums, Tongue, or Cheeks
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area that hurts. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop any bleeding. A cold compress can help with swelling and pain.
Abscesses & Infections
Rinse with warm salt water to alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling. If you notice signs of an abscess, like swelling or pus, seek treatment with your dentist immediately before the infection worsens.
The overall goal of first aid for dental emergencies is to reduce pain and manage symptoms until you see a dentist for professional treatment.
When to Contact an Emergency Dentist in Springfield, MO
Acting quickly during a dental emergency can prevent further damage, alleviate severe pain, and lead to a successful treatment outcome.
If you have any of these situations, contact an emergency dentist for immediate treatment:
Severe Pain That Doesn’t Subside With OTC Medications
For severe pain, trauma, or significant injuries, contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Persistent or intense toothache pain can signal a serious problem, such as an abscess or advanced decay. If taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen or applying topical pain relievers like liquids or gels doesn’t make the pain go away, we highly recommend contacting an emergency dentist for treatment.
Sudden Tooth Trauma From a Blow to Mouth or a Knocked-Out Tooth
Accidents that result in broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth require urgent care to preserve the tooth and prevent infection. Quick action can sometimes allow for re-implantation or repair.
Common situations that cause sudden tooth trauma include biting down on something too hard, a slip or fall, sports injury due to a blow to the face, and an automobile accident. It may take several minutes to realize you have a tooth trauma if your body’s automatic response (adrenaline rush) to an injury is still on high alert. So please be aware of what’s going on in your mouth when something seems off, even if it’s not painful yet.
For a knocked-out tooth, seek care within 30 minutes to increase the chances of successful re-implantation. Again, if it’s too late to re-implant the tooth, your dentist can provide a treatment option to replace the tooth.
Bleeding Inside Your Mouth That’s Difficult to Stop
Lots of bleeding or bleeding that won’t stop can cause an infection. Immediate care can control bleeding and facilitate healing. Your emergency dentist can provide the right care based on what caused the bleeding.
If you experience uncontrollable bleeding, severe swelling, or signs of infection, don’t delay in seeking help from an emergency dentist in Springfield, MO.
A Filling or Crown Comes Loose or Falls Out
Your filling or crown helps you have a normal-functioning tooth. If it falls out, be careful when eating or drinking to prevent further injury. Seeking immediate medical attention can keep the root of the filling or crown from decaying or causing pain.
Tooth Extractions During a Dental Emergency
A dentist might perform a tooth extraction during a dental emergency if your doctor determines preserving the tooth is no longer viable or could exacerbate the issue.
Severe Tooth Decay or Infection
When tooth decay has progressed to the point where it compromises the tooth’s structure and health, and root canal therapy is not feasible or has failed, extraction may be required. Similarly, if an infection, such as an abscess, has severely damaged the tooth and surrounding bone, removing the tooth can prevent the infection from spreading and alleviate severe pain.
For example, someone has tooth decay or a cavity that is untreated. After eating a meal, the decay worsens to the point where a nerve is exposed and causes sudden, sharp pain that won’t go away. There isn’t enough of the tooth left to save, so a dentist might extract the tooth completely to alleviate the pain and then suggest a treatment option for a replacement tooth for a later appointment.
Fractured Tooth Beyond Repair
In cases where a tooth is broken or fractured due to trauma or injury, and the damage extends below the gum line or affects the tooth’s root, the tooth may be too compromised to restore. Extraction is often the best option to remove the severely damaged tooth and address the underlying issue later. But again, each person’s situation is unique. An experienced dentist in Springfield, MO, like the team at Parkcrest Dental, will assess and diagnose your situation and recommend a treatment.
Root Canal During a Dental Emergency
A root canal is a viable treatment for certain dental emergencies. A dentist might treat painful tooth decay with a root canal when a tooth’s pulp, the innermost part containing nerves and blood vessels, becomes inflamed or infected. This procedure can save a tooth that might otherwise need extraction, offering relief from severe pain and preserving natural tooth structure.
When Is a Root Canal Necessary?
Persistent, intense pain often signals pulp inflammation or infection. This pain may appear suddenly after tooth decay worsens or is exacerbated by chewing. A dentist will evaluate the severity of the pain, its duration, and any associated symptoms, such as swelling or sensitivity to heat and cold.
If the pulp becomes infected due to deep decay or trauma, a root canal can save the root of the tooth and provide a way to strengthen the natural tooth. The dentist will look for signs of infection in the pulp chamber, which can be confirmed through digital X-rays showing dark spots at the tooth’s root tip, indicating an infection.
An abscess around the tooth root, often characterized by swelling, redness, and pus, is a clear indicator that the infection has spread. A root canal addresses the infection directly, removing the decayed tissue and draining the abscess to prevent further complications.
If a tooth is cracked or chipped and the damage extends into the pulp, a root canal can repair the tooth and prevent infection. The dentist will assess the extent of the crack and whether it has affected the pulp.
What the Dentist Will Look For Before Performing a Root Canal
The dentist will inquire about pain intensity, duration, and any other symptoms like swelling or temperature sensitivity. Your doctor will also inspect the tooth for decay, damage, or infection. Detailed imaging through a digital X-ray can assess the extent of damage or infection, check the tooth roots, and confirm the diagnosis.
Abscessed Tooth & Dental Emergencies
An abscessed tooth occurs when a bacterial infection causes white pus to form at the root of a tooth or in the surrounding gum tissue. An emergency dentist in Springfield, MO, will consider several factors when recommending treatment for an abscessed tooth, including the severity of the infection and its impact on overall oral health.
When Should You Seek Treatment for an Abscessed Tooth?
An abscessed tooth may cause intense, throbbing pain that may radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck. The pain can be continuous or triggered by chewing and is often accompanied by swelling. If over-the-counter pain relievers don’t help, seek help from a dentist immediately.
The affected area might show visible swelling, redness, and warmth. These symptoms indicate the body’s natural inflammatory response to the infection. The dentist will assess the extent of the swelling and determine the best course of action to manage it.
An abscessed tooth may produce pus, which can drain through an abnormal opening in the gum. This drainage is a sign of infection and requires immediate dental care to address the root cause.
Systemic symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and a general feeling of illness can indicate that the infection is spreading. Urgent treatment may be necessary to stop the infection.
How a Dentist Could Treat an Abscessed Tooth
If the tooth’s pulp is infected, a root canal may be performed to remove the infected tissue and seal the tooth. If too much of the tooth has decayed, an extraction may solve the problem.
In some cases, the dentist may need to make an incision to drain the abscess and relieve pressure. Your doctor could prescribe antibiotics to manage infection and reduce swelling, in addition to other treatments that address the root cause of the infection.
Broken Tooth
A broken tooth requires timely intervention to prevent further damage and preserve oral health. The severity of a broken tooth varies from minor chips to major fractures, and treatment will depend on the extent of the damage.
When Is Treatment for a Broken Tooth Necessary?
A broken tooth might cause sharp, persistent pain, especially when biting or chewing. If the pain is severe or doesn’t subside with over-the-counter pain medications, seek treatment from a dentist as soon as possible.
Visible damage can expose sensitive nerves and increase the risk of infection, tooth decay, or further structural damage. Seeking treatment can prevent the tooth damage from getting worse.
When a break extends into the tooth’s pulp chamber, it can expose the nerves, causing extreme sensitivity to temperature changes and pressure. The discomfort could worsen to severe pain over time. Treating a broken tooth promptly could prevent more pain later on.
Accompanying symptoms like swelling of the gums or bleeding from the affected area can indicate that the damage has affected surrounding tissues. Immediate treatment can prevent complications and manage pain.
Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth
Your exact treatment will depend on the extent of the damage and what your doctor sees after a thorough examination and digital X-rays.
- Dental Bonding: For minor chips and cracks, dental bonding can be used to repair and restore the tooth’s appearance and function.
- Dental Crown: If the damage is more significant, a dental crown may be necessary to cover and protect the tooth, especially if the tooth has been weakened or if the fracture extends below the gum line.
- Root Canal Therapy: If the fracture has exposed or damaged the tooth’s pulp, a root canal can remove the infected or damaged tissue before placing a crown over the remaining part of the natural tooth.
Sudden Tooth Trauma Is a Dental Emergency
Sudden tooth trauma can come from an accident, a fall, chewing too hard, or an impact injury from sports. As the name implies, the tooth suffers damage from something suddenly happening to the tooth without warning.
It’s important to seek treatment for sudden tooth trauma right away because a dentist can assess how much damage has occurred. You might see a chip on a tooth, but there may be underlying issues below the gumline or in the jaw that you can’t see.
Treatment Options for Sudden Tooth Trauma
For a partially displaced tooth, the dentist may reposition it and use a splint or other stabilization methods to secure it while it heals. Your dentist will give you tips on how to manage the healing process.
If the trauma has affected the tooth’s pulp or root, a root canal may be necessary to remove damaged tissue and restore the tooth’s health. Digital X-rays and a thorough visual inspection can determine the extent of the damage.
For fractures or significant chips, dental bonding or crowns may be used to repair and restore the tooth’s structure and function. Your dentist will recommend the right treatment options based on what’s left of the tooth that can be saved.
Replacing a Lost Crown
Replacing a lost crown is a common dental emergency that requires timely action to protect the underlying tooth and restore the tooth. When a crown comes off, it exposes the underlying tooth, making it vulnerable to further damage or decay.
When Should You Seek Emergency Treatment for a Lost Crown?
- Tooth Sensitivity and Pain: The underlying tooth is exposed when a crown falls off, which can lead to sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. If you experience pain or discomfort, treatment can prevent further damage or worsening pain.
- Risk of Tooth Damage: An exposed tooth without a crown is at risk of additional decay, damage, or even breakage. Immediate replacement of the crown helps protect the tooth from these risks and maintains its structural integrity.
- Difficulty with Chewing: A missing crown can affect your ability to chew properly, potentially leading to discomfort or difficulty eating. Replacing the crown will allow you to resume normal eating habits.
Treatment Options for a Lost Crown
If you still have the original crown, it’s in good condition, and the underlying tooth is intact, the dentist may clean the crown and the tooth surface and reattach it using dental adhesive. A thorough examination can determine this.
If the lost crown is damaged or the underlying tooth has experienced significant changes, a new crown may be fabricated and placed. The dentist will take digital impressions and may need to fit a temporary crown while the permanent one is being made.
Your emergency dentist in Springfield, MO, may see that the underlying tooth has been damaged after the crown came off. Your doctor may need to address that issue before putting a crown back on.
3 Tips to Preventing a Dental Emergency
Some dental emergencies, like accidents, cannot be prevented. However, you can take steps to prevent a dental emergency in other situations where you know you might be susceptible to a dental injury.
1. Wear a Mouthguard
We highly recommend wearing a mouthguard when you play sports where physical contact, either with other people or with objects, could happen. The American Dental Association recommends wearing custom mouthguards for the following sports:
- Acrobatics
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Field hockey
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Handball
- Ice hockey
- Lacrosse
- Martial arts
- Racquetball
- Roller hockey
- Rugby
- Shot putting
- Skateboarding
- Skiing
- Skydiving
- Soccer
- Squash
- Surfing
- Volleyball
- Water polo
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
Wearing a mouthguard when you have braces can prevent injuries to your teeth, gums, cheeks, tongue, and jaw. Talk to your dentist about when it’s appropriate to wear a mouthguard.
Seniors who are susceptible to falls or people recovering from injuries or surgery that hamper mobility could also benefit from wearing a mouthguard. A primary care physician can consult with your dentist if this preventive measure is needed.
2. Pay Attention to How You Chew & What You Eat
We all get distracted. Pay attention to how you chew when biting down. It could prevent accidentally biting your tongue or cheeks. Try not to talk while chewing. Take small bites and chew thoroughly, and don’t talk with your mouth full.
Chewing or biting into hard foods, like hard candy, ice, nuts, potato chips, popcorn, corn on the cob, or the pits of fruits, can cause your teeth to suddenly clamp down when the hard food slips. This can cause cracked teeth, bleeding gums, and other sudden tooth trauma. Aim for soft foods or avoid hard foods altogether.
3. Don’t Put Non-Food Items in Your Mouth
Sometimes, we have a habit of biting our fingernails, chewing on a pen top, or putting the end of a pencil in our mouths. Never do this because it can cause problems with your teeth, gums, cheeks, tongue, or the roof of your mouth.
As a parent, watch out for your young child putting objects in their mouth. Kids will try to put just about anything small enough in their mouths or try to bite on things they shouldn’t. It only takes a few seconds to put something in their mouths and start chewing on it!
Pain Management During a Dental Emergency
Managing pain during a dental emergency is essential for relief and comfort until you can receive professional care from an emergency dentist in Springfield, MO. Here are some methods to try to alleviate pain:
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the dosage instructions on the label for effective relief. Call your dentist for other tips and follow their instructions until you see a dentist for treatment.
Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected area can numb the pain and reduce swelling. Use the compress for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, allowing your skin to rest in between. You can buy a cold compress at the store or use a bag of ice covered with a cloth.
Warm Salt Water Rinse
Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can soothe irritation, clean the area, and reduce inflammation. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse several times a day.
Avoid Certain Foods
Stick to soft, non-acidic foods that won’t aggravate the pain. Avoid very hot, cold, or sticky foods that could worsen discomfort.
Keep the Affected Area Clean
Gently brush and floss around the affected area to prevent further irritation or infection. Be careful not to exacerbate the pain.
Following Up After a Dental Emergency
It’s important for patients to follow up with their dentist after an emergency treatment to ensure proper healing and address any lingering issues.
Adhere to Care Instructions
Follow any post-treatment care instructions provided by your dentist. This may include taking prescribed medications, avoiding certain foods, or practicing specific oral hygiene routines.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Continue with regular brushing and flossing, paying extra attention to the area affected by the dental emergency. This helps prevent infections and supports overall oral health. Your dentist will suggest any changes to your routine to prevent pain.
Watch for Signs of Complications
Be vigilant for any signs of complications, such as increased pain, prolonged bleeding, or swelling. If these occur, contact your dentist immediately.
Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment
Contact your dentist as soon as possible to arrange a follow-up visit. This appointment will allow the dentist to assess the effectiveness of the initial treatment, check for any complications, and plan further care if needed.
Monitor Symptoms
Keep track of any changes or persistent symptoms, such as pain, swelling, or discomfort. Report these symptoms to your dentist, as they may indicate the need for additional treatment.
Parkcrest Dental Group in Springfield, MO
If you need to see a dentist right away, call us at (417) 887-1220. We will try to see you as soon as possible. We can also recommend how to manage your dental emergency until you are seen by a dentist.
