Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency refers to an injury or damage to the teeth, gums, or surrounding structures that requires immediate treatment. Most dental emergencies are caused by dental trauma, which can affect not only the teeth but also the supporting tissues, such as the gums, bone, and soft tissues like the lips and tongue.

What Causes Dental Trauma?

Common causes of dental trauma include:

• Accidents (falls, motor vehicle collisions)

• Sports-related injuries

• Physical violence

What to Do in a Dental Emergency?

If you experience dental trauma, it’s important to seek professional care immediately. If we are unavailable, please visit the nearest hospital emergency department. The sooner treatment is provided, the higher the chances of saving the affected tooth.

Arriving at the dentist within an hour of the injury increases the likelihood of saving the tooth. If possible, place any broken tooth fragments in milk or the injured person’s saliva (avoid using water for storage).

Knocked-Out Primary (Baby) Tooth

Do not attempt to replant the tooth. Bring your child to the dentist to evaluate the impact on surrounding teeth. Stay calm and reassure your child to reduce anxiety.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

Find the tooth and handle it by the crown (top part). Rinse it gently if needed, but avoid unnecessary handling. If you can, try to reinsert the tooth into the socket. If not, store it in a cup with saliva or chilled milk and see a dentist immediately. Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

Fractured Tooth

Find any broken pieces of the tooth and inspect for any pulp (nerve) exposure, which may appear as a pink or red spot. Contact a dentist immediately, especially if it’s a permanent tooth. If the pulp is not exposed, while treatment may not be as urgent, your child should still be seen as soon as possible for further care.