Dental Emergency in Titusville? What to Do Before You Reach Us

In a dental emergency, the first steps are to stay calm, protect the injured area, save any tooth or broken pieces, and call your dentist as soon as you can. Most toothaches, broken teeth and lost crowns can be managed at home for a short time until you’re seen. A knocked-out tooth needs attention quickly. Swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, bleeding that won’t stop, or a serious injury to the face needs the emergency room, not the dental office.

When to call 911 or go to the ER

Some situations are medical emergencies first and dental problems second. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you or someone with you has:

• Swelling in the face, jaw, mouth or neck that makes it hard to breathe or swallow.
• Bleeding from the mouth that doesn’t slow down after 10 to 15 minutes of firm, steady pressure.
• A significant blow to the face or jaw, a possible broken jaw, or any head injury, loss of consciousness or confusion.
• Swelling that is spreading quickly, especially with a fever or feeling generally unwell.

Once you’re safe, the dental side can be taken care of afterward. Call our office and leave a message if we’re closed, and we’ll follow up.

Toothache

Rinse with warm water and floss gently around the sore tooth, since trapped food sometimes causes surprising pain. A cold compress on the cheek can ease discomfort. An over-the-counter pain reliever taken as directed on the label may help if it is safe for you, but swallow it as intended; never hold a tablet against the gum, which can burn the tissue. A toothache that throbs, wakes you at night or comes with swelling or a bad taste may signal infection and should be seen soon.

Broken or chipped tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any pieces in a clean container. Hold a cold compress against your face to limit swelling. If a sharp edge is irritating your tongue or cheek, a small piece of sugar-free gum or dental wax from a pharmacy can cover it temporarily. Avoid chewing on that side until you’ve been seen.

Knocked-out tooth

A permanent tooth that has been knocked out has a far better chance of being saved when it is handled carefully and treated quickly. These steps make the biggest difference:

1. Pick the tooth up by the crown, the part you normally see, and avoid touching the root.
2. If it’s dirty, rinse it briefly in water. Don’t scrub it, dry it or remove any tissue attached to it.
3. If you can, gently push it back into its socket and hold it there, or bite softly on a clean cloth to keep it in place.
4. If it won’t go back in, place it in a small container of milk.
5. Get to a dentist as quickly as possible, and bring the tooth with you.

Baby teeth are handled differently and generally aren’t put back in, but a child who has knocked out a tooth should still be checked promptly.

Lost crown or filling

If a crown comes off, keep it somewhere safe and bring it with you, since it can sometimes be cleaned and recemented. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can hold it in place for a short time; never use household glue. For a lost filling, a piece of sugar-free gum or a pharmacy temporary filling kit can protect the tooth until your visit. The exposed tooth may be sensitive to cold, so chew on the other side.

Swelling or a gum abscess

Swelling of the gum or face is often a sign of infection and shouldn’t wait. Rinse with warm salt water, use a cold compress on the outside of the face, and call the office the same day. Don’t try to drain a bump on the gum yourself. If the swelling is spreading, affects your eye, or makes breathing or swallowing difficult, go to the ER.

Getting seen at Farah Dentistry

We set aside time every day for emergencies, and walk-ins are welcome during office hours, Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm. Same-day emergency appointments are usually available during office hours, and calling ahead lets us hold a time for you. Digital X-rays help us find the cause of the problem quickly, and we’ll focus on relief first and then explain the options for a lasting repair.

The office is closed Friday through Sunday. If you have a serious emergency after hours or on a weekend, go to the nearest emergency room, then leave us a message so we can schedule you as soon as we reopen.

If something has happened to your teeth, call Farah Dentistry at (321) 269-3802. We’re at 55 North Carpenter Road in Titusville, just off I-95 exit 220.