A dental emergency usually refers to acute pain related to the teeth, gums, or other structures in or around the mouth (orofacial pain). Sudden loss of a dental restoration (such as a crown or a bridge), causing cosmetic concern or difficulty eating, is also sometimes referred to as a dental emergency, even if there is no pain. In this respect, a dental emergency is not usually a type of medical emergency, since there is only rarely a threat to life. However, prompt treatment is essential to save teeth, prevent infection spread, and avoid costly future procedures. At Elite Smile, we are happily ready to cover your dental emergencies 24/7.

Common dental emergencies include:

• Severe toothache (often indicating deep decay, abscess, or cracked tooth)

• Knocked-out tooth (avulsion)

• Chipped, fractured, or broken tooth

• Lost filling, crown, or bridge

• Abscess or gum swelling (possible infection)

• Bleeding after an extraction that won’t stop

• Soft tissue injury (lip, tongue, cheek, or gum laceration)

• Object stuck between teeth

• Broken orthodontic wires or brackets

What to do in a dental emergency:

• Knocked-out tooth: Handle by the crown (not the root), rinse gently, try to reinsert into the socket, or place in milk or saline. See a dentist within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

• Toothache: Rinse with warm salt water, floss to remove trapped food, apply a cold compress for swelling, and take over-the-counter pain relief. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum.

• Lost crown: Smear a small amount of dental cement, toothpaste, or even petroleum jelly inside the crown and place it temporarily back on the tooth.

Statistics:

• According to a study in the British Dental Journal (2020), approximately 1 in 6 adults experiences a dental emergency each year.

• Delaying treatment for more than 24 hours increases the risk of tooth loss by 25%.

• Dental abscesses, if untreated, can spread to the neck, chest, or brain; the mortality rate for untreated deep neck infections from dental origin is approximately 5–10% (Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery).

References:

• Currie, C.C., et al. “Dental emergencies in primary care.” Br Dent J, 2020.

• American Association of Endodontists. “Emergency dental care statistics.” 2021.

• Flynn, T.R. “The swollen face: emergency management.” J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2008.