What To Do If You Have a Dental Emergency When Traveling
A dental emergency can really throw a wrench in your plans, especially while traveling. Whether you’re experiencing a sudden and severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken crown, an emergency dentist can help. Emergency dentists offer same-day care when necessary. If you are in the Philadelphia area and need urgent attention, contact our emergency dentist now at (215) 340-1199.
Dr. Bruce Wilderman provides emergency dental care in Doylestown, PA, and to people throughout Bucks County. In this blog post, he provides insight into how to handle specific dental emergencies when you’re away from home.
Persistent Toothache
A toothache that is accompanied by swelling and doesn’t subside with over-the-counter pain medication is considered a dental emergency. The pain and swelling could be caused by a dental abscess, or infection, in the tooth root. Patients may also experience swollen gums, a bad taste in the mouth, an aching jaw, and pain while chewing if an abscess is the cause.
Your treatment may include a root canal procedure or an antibiotic depending on the severity of the infection.
What to Do
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact an emergency dentist near you immediately. Find one by searching the internet for an “emergency dentist near me.” Explain your symptoms and situation, and get to the office as soon as possible.
Broken Dental Crown
Accidental trauma, teeth grinding, chewing hard objects, and decay are common causes of a broken dental crown. The severity of your situation will determine whether a break in your dental crown requires the help of an emergency dentist.
What to Do
Whether you’re experiencing dental pain or not, contact an emergency dentist for advice on what to do with the crown. If you are experiencing pain, the dentist will likely want to see you that day.
In the meantime, follow these guidelines:
- Collect all pieces of the crown from your mouth so that you do not swallow them.
- If your tooth is bleeding, apply gauze to the area.
- Avoid hot and cold substances.
- Rinse with warm saltwater.
- Use dental cement to protect and seal the tooth.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out, or avulsed, tooth is a serious dental emergency that should be addressed as soon as possible.
What to Do
Immediately after your tooth falls out, pick it up by the crown, not the root. Place it in a cup of milk. If milk isn’t available, use water. If neither is available, place the tooth in your mouth and store it between your cheek and gum.
Then, call an emergency dentist near you for immediate care. The sooner you get to the office, the better. The dentist may be able to save the tooth by inserting it back into the socket so it can reattach.
Chipped Tooth
Breaks and fractures can cause dental sensitivity, discomfort, and pain. However, immediate professional care might not be necessary.
What to Do
If you have the piece of the tooth, follow the guidelines for a knocked-out tooth. The dentist may be able to restore it.
Contact an emergency dentist to determine whether emergency care is necessary. Until your appointment, do these things:
- Use ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication to reduce swelling.
- Apply gauze for bleeding.
- Rinse with warm saltwater.
- Use dental cement to protect the rest of the tooth.
Speak with an Emergency Dentist
Searching for an emergency dentist near Philadelphia? Dr. Wilderman should be your first call. Contact us today at (215) 340-1199 to speak with our dental team and meet with Dr. Wilderman today. You can also send us a message online.