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If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1.
If you have a dental emergency contact our office at (570) 323-6116 as soon as possible. If it is after our normal office hours, call this number and you will be directed by our after hours answer service to a doctor on call.
Dental emergencies can happen at the most inconvenient time, even to those who are diligent about routine preventive care. Loyalsock Dental offers treatments for both new and current patients who may be experiencing a dental emergency. We try to see you the same day if necessary to address your problem.
While we always recommend that you contact our Williamsport dental office immediately in the case of a concern, there are steps that can be taken at home to minimize discomfort and the risk of further damage.
Tips for Common Dental Emergencies
- Chipped or broken tooth: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water. Do not attempt to reattach the chipped part of your tooth. If you can, place the part that broke off into a cup of your own saliva or milk to preserve the piece until you visit us. Contact our office for instructions on how to proceed.
- Knocked-out tooth: If possible, locate the lost tooth and place it in warm milk or hold between the cheek and gum line while contacting our office. Again, do not attempt to reattach any part of your tooth on your own. We will most likely need to see you as soon as possible.
- Tooth pain: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the surfaces of any food particles or debris. An over-the-counter pain reliever or cold compress on the outside of your mouth can be used to reduce discomfort. Avoid using the area that is causing pain to prevent further damage. Tooth pain can have a range of causes and should be evaluated by Dr. Kim, especially if sudden, throbbing, or related to mouth trauma.
- Bleeding Gums: If you are experiencing bleeding gums every time you brush your teeth, you might have gingivitis or some form of gum disease. First, try at-home remedies to see if it is a superficial issue. Switch to a soft toothbrush and brush gently next time. You can also rinse with a baking soda and salt solution. If your gums still bleed, visit our dentist in Williamsport, PA. We can quickly evaluate gum disease and create a customized treatment plan to address the root cause.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can happen anytime, but the good news is that many of them can be prevented with a little care and attention. Avoiding accidents and keeping your teeth and gums healthy can help you avoid painful situations.
Wear a Mouthguard
One of the most common causes of dental emergencies is injury to the mouth, especially during sports. Whether playing football, basketball, or even riding a bike, your teeth can easily get damaged if you fall or get hit in the face. To protect your teeth, always wear a mouthguard. Mouthguards are soft, custom-made plastic devices that cover your teeth and gums to cushion any blows. They can prevent broken teeth, cuts to the mouth, and other painful injuries.
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
What you eat plays a big role in the health of your teeth. Some foods can be harmful and increase your chances of a dental emergency. Hard foods, like ice cubes, popcorn kernels, or hard candy, can crack or chip your teeth. Sticky foods, such as caramel or taffy, can pull fillings out or get stuck between teeth, leading to discomfort or infection. To avoid this, try to eat soft, healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains. If you do eat hard or sticky foods, be sure to brush your teeth afterward to remove any pieces stuck in your teeth.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Taking care of your teeth daily is one of the best ways to prevent dental emergencies. Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and don’t forget to floss between your teeth to remove food particles and plaque. Plaque buildup can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. Regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and check-ups can also help spot any issues early before they become emergencies.
Be Cautious with Your Teeth
Your teeth are not tools! It might be tempting to use your teeth to open a bottle, tear open a package, or bite into something hard, but this can cause serious damage. Using your teeth in ways they weren’t meant to be used can lead to cracked, broken, or even knocked-out teeth. Use scissors, a bottle opener, or another appropriate tool instead of your teeth. This small habit can save you from needing emergency dental care.
Address Dental Problems Early
Sometimes, dental issues like cavities or loose fillings don’t hurt right away. However, if left untreated, they can lead to bigger problems. It’s important to visit the dentist regularly and address any dental issues early. If caught early, a small cavity can be filled easily and prevent more serious issues like infections or abscesses. Don’t wait until it hurts; check your teeth regularly to avoid emergencies.
Be Careful with Teeth Grinding
Many people grind their teeth while sleeping, especially when stressed or anxious. Over time, this can wear down the enamel on your teeth, making them weaker and more prone to breaking or cracking. If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a nightguard to protect your teeth while you sleep.
Creating a Dental Emergency Kit
A dental emergency kit can be a lifesaver when dealing with unexpected dental issues. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a broken crown, or severe tooth pain, having the right tools and supplies on hand can make a big difference in how you handle the situation.
Gather Essential Tools
The first step in creating your dental emergency kit is to include the essential tools needed during an emergency. Some basic items include:
- Tweezers: If something is stuck in your teeth, like food or debris, a pair of tweezers can help you remove it safely.
- Cotton Balls or Gauze Pads: If you have bleeding gums or a tooth injury, cotton balls or gauze pads can help stop the bleeding and absorb any fluids.
- Pain Reliever: An over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce discomfort until you can see a dentist. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage.
- Salt: Salt is useful for rinsing your mouth with a warm saline solution. It can help clean wounds, reduce swelling, and ease discomfort.
These basic tools will be helpful in many dental emergencies. They can help comfort you or stop bleeding before you go to the dentist.
Include Tooth Preservation Items
If a tooth is knocked out, you first must preserve it until you can get to a dentist. A knocked-out tooth requires quick action to increase the chances of saving it. To do this, you’ll want to include the following items in your dental emergency kit:
- Small Container or Tooth Saver: A small, clean container with a lid is ideal for storing a knocked-out tooth. The best way to preserve a knocked-out tooth is to place it in milk or a tooth-preservation solution (which can be purchased at a pharmacy). This helps keep the tooth alive until you can see a dentist.
- Clean Cloth or Paper Towel: If you can’t find milk immediately, wrapping the tooth in a clean cloth or paper towel can prevent damage. Just make sure not to touch the root of the tooth.
These items will help keep a knocked-out tooth safe for re-implantation, which should be done as soon as possible for the best chance of success.
Include a Dental First Aid Guide
In an emergency, it can be easy to panic, especially if you’re unsure of what to do. To help guide you through different dental emergencies, consider including a dental first aid guide in your kit. This guide should provide instructions on how to handle common dental issues, such as:
- How to treat a knocked-out tooth.
- What to do if you break or chip a tooth.
- How to manage toothaches or gum infections.
- How to handle cuts inside your mouth or on your gums.
This guide can help you stay calm and take the right steps during a dental emergency.
Keep Your Kit Organized
It’s important to keep your dental emergency kit organized to ensure it’s always ready to go. Store everything neatly in a small, portable container, like a plastic box or a travel pouch. Label the items so you can quickly find what you need. Check the kit every few months to replace any expired items or materials that may no longer be useful.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
A dental emergency can happen to anyone. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Can I take care of a dental emergency at home?
No, never try to take care of a dental problem on your own at home. Depending on what the problem is and the way you try to solve it, you may end up causing more severe issues. This can lead to more pain or more invasive treatment options that are needed to correct the issue.
Can I prepare for a dental emergency?
There are small things you can keep on hand that may help in the event of a dental emergency. Gauze, over-the-counter painkillers, and a saline solution can all be helpful for a dental emergency. Something like Orajel can also be useful for handling pain.
How do I know if I have a dental emergency?
A dental problem is considered an emergency if you need immediate care to save your tooth or take care of pain. Severe pain is a sign of a bigger problem and needs to be taken care of immediately. Having a broken or knocked-out tooth can be time-sensitive. The sooner you’re seen, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
Should I visit the ER for a dental emergency?
You should visit the hospital if you have a severe dental emergency and cannot contact a dentist. It’s also a good idea to visit the ER if you have physical injuries in addition to your dental trauma. A dentist can provide dental treatment after you are physically healthy.
Is it an emergency if I have an object stuck between my teeth?
It is a dental emergency if an object is stuck between your teeth, causing severe pain or bleeding. However, you can try to remove an object if it’s more of an annoyance than an emergency. Use floss, a water irrigator, or a toothpick to remove the object. Contact our office if you cannot remove it and experience continual pain and discomfort.
How can I get an object out from under my gums?
Sometimes, a piece of food or an object can get stuck in your gums, leading to inflamed gum tissue and discomfort. If you have a piece of food or object stuck in your gums, gently floss in the area. You can also create a lukewarm saltwater rinse or gently brush in circular motions to try and release the object.
If that doesn’t work, call our office for an appointment. We can examine your gums and use precise dental tools to remove the object.