Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies can occur at any time and require immediate attention to avoid serious complications. Whether you're experiencing acute pain or have suffered dental trauma, it's essential to know how to react.
At Clinique dentaire Julien & Marin, we offer dental emergency services to respond quickly and efficiently to your needs. Here's an overview of the main dental emergencies and what to do.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Acute Dental Pain :
Acute dental pain is one of the most common dental emergencies. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including deep decay, infection or inflammation of the gums. Pain can range from moderate to unbearable in intensity, and must be treated promptly to avoid further complications.
To relieve acute pain, rinse your mouth with lukewarm water and floss to remove food debris. Take an over-the-counter painkiller (Advil, Tylenol...) and contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Broken or Fractured Tooth :
A broken or fractured tooth can be the result of an accident, fall or direct impact. It's crucial to save any tooth fragments and see a dentist immediately. Prompt intervention can often save the tooth and prevent infection.
Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Store broken pieces of tooth, ideally in a container filled with saliva or milk, and take them to the dentist. Avoid chewing with the affected tooth until it has been repaired.
Avulsion (Pulled Tooth) :
A tooth that has been completely pulled out of its socket is a critical emergency situation. If the tooth is handled correctly and re-implanted within the hour, there's a good chance of saving it.
Handle the tooth by the crown, never by the root. Rinse gently under running water. If possible, gently reinsert it into its socket and bite down to hold it in place, or use your tongue to do so. If this isn't possible, keep the tooth in milk or saliva, and consult a dentist immediately!
Dental Abscess :
A dental abscess is a localized bacterial infection that can cause intense pain and swelling. If left untreated, the abscess can spread to other parts of the body, leading to serious complications. Symptoms include pain and a throbbing sensation in the area, sensitivity to heat and cold, and swollen gums.
Rinse your mouth with a salt-water solution to reduce infection. Don't try to pierce the abscess. Take over-the-counter painkillers (Advil, Tylenol...) to relieve the pain, and consult a dentist as soon as possible. Antibiotic treatment is probably necessary to eliminate the infection.
Broken Dental Restorations :
Fillings, crowns, fixed bridges and inlays can break or come loose, exposing the tooth to bacteria and causing pain. Contact us immediately for an emergency appointment.
Bring the broken piece with you. The dentist will assess the situation and determine whether a repair, replacement or bonding is necessary to relieve discomfort and prevent infection.
Protect Your Teeth from Accidents
Using a mouthguard when playing contact sports is a good way to avoid dental trauma. Custom-made mouthguards offered by your dentist offer better protection than off-the-shelf models. See our page for more information.