Dental Emergencies

In the event of a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is contact your general dentist. Many dentists have time slots set aside for emergency procedures, so you’re likely to get an appointment quickly. However, many patients may not be sure about what is considered a dental emergency.

Dental Emergencies

Below are a few common examples of dental emergencies and how to handle them if they do occur:

• Knocked-Out Tooth – A tooth being knocked out is considered a dental emergency. Below are the appropriate steps that, if taken, can help to save the tooth:
  • Pick the tooth up by the crown, avoiding touching the roots
  • Rinse the tooth with clean water and avoid removing any tissue attached to it
  • Place the tooth back into the socket and hold it in place by biting down
  • If this is not possible, place the tooth into a cup of milk or the patient’s saliva
  • Contact your general dentist immediately
• Soft Tissue Injury or Facial Pain – Tissue injuries include cuts, tears, lacerations, or puncture wounds to the soft tissues of the face and mouth. These include the tongue, lips, gum tissue, or cheeks. Clean the wound(s) immediately with warm water and, if the bleeding is excessive, put pressure on the wound with sterile gauze. Contact your dentist or head to the emergency room as soon as possible.
• Other Dental Emergencies – Any dental issue that requires immediate treatment to save a tooth, stop bleeding, or alleviate extreme dental pain is considered a dental emergency. If you have a severe infection or abscess, it could even be considered life-threatening. If your dentist does not have an immediate opening, we suggest going to the emergency room for treatment.

If you have a dental emergency, please contact your general dentist immediately for an appointment. If you’ve suffered an injury to the gum tissue or you’re concerned about gum disease, call Coastal Periodontics today. Our office is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.