Dental Emergencies

Dental Emergencies can happen any time.

We are always here for your dental emergency.

Dr. Hamilton's normal office hours are 9:00am to 6:00pm Monday through Thursday, but he understands that emergencies don't run on a timetable. Call the phone number on this page 24/7 to speak to the staff when an emergency happens. Depending on the severity of the problem, we will make a judgement as to how urgent your situation is , and will get you in to the office appropriately.

For instance...

...a toothache might require a "next day" appointment depending on if you can get the pain under control. (See tips below) A Broken tooth might require a much quicker appointment and if a tooth has been knocked out we need to see you in less than an hour.

These timings are just estimates.

We evaluate each case individually.

So... when you have an dental emergency, what can you do to improve your chances of a good outcome.

This article is meant to give you guidance on how to deal with some of these dire dental emergencies.

These Tips Are NOT Meant To Replace a Doctor's One-on-One Judgement Or Advice!

This article is not medical advice instead of seeing the dentist! This article assumes that you are in the process of getting an appointment. 

There are no guarantees that these tips will work in all cases. Time has shown, however,  that these tips will improve your odds of reducing your pain and having a better outcome when you get to the dentist.

Dental Emergencies Tip #1:
Toothache

At first glance, toothache doesn't sound like a dire emergency.

If you've ever had a BAD toothache you would surely disagree with anyone that would make that statement. When faced with a toothache is hard to think of anything but the severe pain in your mouth.

Of course, the best thing you can do is go directly to your dentist. But ,what if you haven't found a dentist yet, or your dentist is on vacation, or can’t fit you in for a couple of days?

What can you do? What steps can you take to make the pain go away?

If you have severe gum pain or toothache, read on to see what you can do till you can get in to see your local dentist.

Why we feel tooth and gum pain...

Toothache pain originates in swelling and inflammation. The best thing you can do, for the short term is to temporarily,  control those two things.

Fortunately, there is one thing you probably have in your medicine chest that can control these two culprits - ibuprofen.

Be careful when using pain killers...

If you are using blood thinners, have kidney issues, or have been told by your physician that you should not take ibuprofen disregard this part of the article.

Most ibuprofen bottles say not to take more than 400mg at a time and not to exceed 6 capsules in a 24 hour period (adult dose).

If you are not allergic to ibuprofen, and meet the requirements stated above, you may step up that dosage for a short time - till you can get in to see the dentist.

Three Day Limit on higher dose Ibuprofen!

You can take 600mg three times a a day for up to 3 days. Again, this is for an adult only, who doesn't have any issues with ibuprofen.

Do not take longer than 3 days!

And, a less obvious caveat, do not stop taking it when the pain subsides.

You need to keep the anti-inflammatory agent in your blood. Remember this is only a temporary solution till you can get to the dentist.

Helps Locate the exact source of pain!

Another benefit of getting the pain under control before you go to the dentist is that it helps the doctor to localize the exact spot where the pain is emanating.

When your whole mouth hurts it is hard to tell where the source is. Once the pain is tamed, application of air or a stream of cool water will quickly indicate the source of the problem.

Also remember that taking a pain killer does not treat the root cause, only the symptom! Make a dental appointment ASAP! Get the real problem fixed.

If you have any issues with aspirin this method may not be for you.

Stop Use If you See These Symptoms...

Also, if you have any of the  following symptoms when taking ibuprofen, discontinue use immediately:

• Hives
• facial swelling
• asthma
• wheezing
• rash
• shock

While you are waiting for the ibuprofen to take effect you might want to ice your cheek close to the affected tooth.

What If You Can't Tolerate Ibuprofen?

If for one of the reasons stated above you cannot take ibuprofen, take Tylenol and use an ice pack. Although Tylenol does not have the anti-inflammatory properties of ibuprofen, it is an effective pain killer.

To make a quick ice pack, grab a bag of frozen fruit or vegetables from your freezer and wrap it in a dishtowel. Apply to the affected area not longer than 20 minutes at a time. Remove for at least 10 minutes before reapplication.

Sometimes the source of pain is not the tooth itself, but a gum issue. In that case, vigorously rinse your mouth with warm salt water 4-5 times a day. This will help reduce inflammation and can, in some cases dislodge particulate matter that is lodged between the gums and a tooth.

Remember to always follow up these types of treatments with a visit to the dentist.

Dental Emergencies Tip #2:
Broken, Cracked or Chipped Tooth

Although most instances of broken or chipped teeth is due to face trauma, from a schoolyard brawl, sporting injury, or an automobile or workplace accident, there can be other, less obvious causes.

Sometimes something as simple as excessive clenching or grinding of teeth, over time,  can cause a cracked tooth. And if the tooth has already been compromised by other preexisting dental issues a crack can develop quickly.

Chewing or crunching ice with your teeth can cause a broken, chipped or cracked tooth too. Sometimes just biting into a piece of hard candy or other hard food can do the same damage.

Some of the techniques described above can be used to treat a damaged tooth until you get to the dentist.

Prevent Further Damage to the tooth...

It is very important to get this type of problem diagnosed and fixed as soon as possible.

Aside from the pain issue, the continued use of the tooth puts it in jeopardy.

If the pulp of the tooth is exposed the tooth can become inflamed and infected. The pulp is where the blood vessels and  the nerve are located, so this needs to be protected.

If the nerve is exposed, a root canal may be required. This sounds worse than it is. For the most part, the root canal surgery is painless due to the use of generous amount of local anesthetic.

For more information about root canals, Click Here

Broken or Cracked Tooth - First Steps

First of all we need to protect the inner part of the tooth from further contamination. Form a protective barrier by taking a piece of sterile gauze, roll it up and slowly bite down with the broken tooth. Keep it in place till you get to the dentist.

Call your dentist!

Describe the issue and get the first available open appointment. Most dentists will fit you in very quickly in an emergency like this.

Use some common sense...

Do not drink or eat cold foods until after the tooth has been repaired. If the tooth is cracked or broken, avoid biting or chewing anything. You don't want to further damage the tooth. The goal is to save the tooth!

Don't Do Anything To Risk Losing The Tooth!

Also, we want to avoid a major issue like fracturing the root of the tooth. A fractured root may result in eventual tooth loss. That is why we must be careful not to further damage the tooth.

If you cannot get in to see your favorite dentist for a day or two, you should probably get a recommendation of an alternate dentist who can see you immediately.

Steps to Take Before Heading to the Dentist.

For pain relief, follow the steps for toothache on this website.

Among these tips there are a few exceptions to the simple toothache methods that you should be aware of:

• Do not vigorously swish salt water in your mouth.
• Do not put ice chips in your mouth.
• If there is a lot of blood involved, ibuprofen may cause a problem, since it is a blood thinner.  In this case, substitute Tylenol. Tylenol does not have the anti-inflammatory properties of ibuprofen, but you will have some pain relief.
• Avoid any sugary or acidic foods and beverages. They will most likely irritate the nerve in the tooth.

Dental Emergencies Tip #3:
Loosened Tooth

We are all familiar with loose teeth in children. But did you know that it is not uncommon for adults to encounter a loose tooth or teeth from time to time? In adults, this is an indication of a root problem that your dentist can treat.

Many things can cause a loose tooth. The obvious of course is trauma due to an accident or sports injury. But there can be other causes, and each of these can be signs of deeper problems. It is imperative that you seek advice from your local dental professional.

Three, Not So Obvious, Causes For A Loose Tooth.

Some additional possibilities for the cause of loose teeth in teens and adults are:

• Periodontal Disease
• Pregnancy Hormones
• Osteoporosis

As stated above, a loose tooth can be a cause for concern.

Get your dentist of check it out as soon as you are able. Remember, more could be at stake here than just a wobbly tooth.

Dental Emergencies Tip #4:
Knocked Out Tooth

We’ve all seen hockey players and boxers with missing teeth, but you don’t have to be a sports star to get a tooth knocked out.

If your tooth is (or teeth are) knocked out, you should be aware that the can be saved if you take the proper steps. But, if don’t know what to do the teeth may be lost forever.

Here is what you need to know.

These nerves and blood vessels can't be repaired.

The tooth can, however reattach to the bone of the jaw. The younger the patient the better the odds of saving a tooth.

Time is of the essence!

The tooth may be damaged, but it is important not to unnecessarily damage it further. Here are some tips to give your tooth better chances of survival.

Do these and get to the dentist immediately!

Don't touch the base of the tooth - the root. Only handle it from the "crown" - the part we usually see when we smile.

Try not to touch the part of the tooth that was under the gums. If the tooth dropped in the dirt or other germ laden surface, hold the crown and rinse it. Some recommend rinsing with milk. If the tooth is dirty, hold it by the upper part (the crown) and rinse it with milk.

Try to keep the tooth moist.

You can do this by putting the tooth back in your mouth between your gums and cheek. Avoid manipulating it with your tongue.

Your Child's Tooth Needs Special Handling...

A youngster may swallow the tooth using this method, so we need to be a little more creative. Drop the tooth into a small cup of milk. If milk is not available, have the kiddo spit into a small cup or glass, then gently put the tooth in the saliva.

If you can't coax them into spitting, as a last resort, put the tooth in a cup of cool water. Always remember the proper handling procedures. Only touch the crown. Get to your dentist as soon as possible.

In the case of a child, you can sometimes try to slip the tooth back in where it came out. Don't put in backwards.

If the tooth goes back in, it is in the best place for transport to the dentist. Don't force it in. If it won't go back in, use the other methods described to carry it to the dental office.

Again, the job is not done till your dentist assesses the problem and does all he/she can.

What Steps Will The Dentist Take?

He/she  will attempt to get the tooth back in where it cam out.

This can sometimes be complicated and at other times it is an easy matter.

The degree of difficulty depends on whether the bone or the tooth is broken or if there is debris in the socket.

If debris is present the socket will have be cleaned. In most cases a gentle stream of water will do the trick.

Clean Reinsertion...

Then the dentist will reinsert the tooth.

As I said earlier, time is of the essence. If the procedure is done within an hour or being knocked out your chances of reattachment are greatest.

A root canal will be required, but may be re-scheduled for a later date.

The dentist will splint the tooth to those around it to hold the tooth in place till it reattaches to the bone. The amount of time the splint stays on is variable, depending on several factors.

You will need to see your dentist in a few weeks to see if things are progressing normally, and, another appointment in 3 - 6 months.

The main thing to be watchful for is any signs of infection. You can check for this, but you will need to have the tooth  professionally inspected by your dentist just to be safe.

Dental Emergencies Tip #5:
Broken Jaw

When most people think of the jaw, they think of the lower jaw. But, the jaw is really composed of two bones that work together. The upper jaw is called the maxillary and the lower jaw is the mandible.

A fracture of the jaw can be caused by sporting accidents, automobile accidents, and other trauma.

A broken jaw is a serious thing.

Your jaw is instrumental in eating, breathing, and speaking.

If you suspect that you may have a broken jaw, you need to get it diagnosed right away. You should see your dental professional or go to the emergency room if the pain is severe.

Your dentist can determine if the pain is from a tooth or your jaw.

Do not just shrug any jaw pain off.

Your jaw may or may not be broken. It may be something else, like pain from TMJ, periodontal disease, or even teeth grinding in your sleep. And, maybe even your sinuses giving you fits.

Don’t guess.

Let your dentist diagnose you properly then take the best course of action.

Contact Us

Precise Dental
1321 N Beach, Haltom City, Texas, 76111

Call Us: (817) 838-8805
https://HamiltonPreciseDental.com