What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Around 2 million people go to the emergency room (ER) with dental pain annually, but did you know that most of those situations are best handled by a trained emergency dentist?

At Tenth Street Family Dental, we’re a veteran-owned dental practice serving families in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our team is committed to providing premium quality care at an affordable cost, from routine dental exams and cleanings to emergency dental care when you need it the most.

How do you know when you urgently need a dentist and when it can wait until the next day? Read on to learn what's an emergency, when to call us, and how to manage a dental crisis until you reach our office.

Is it an emergency?

Any kind of medical problem can be stressful, but dental pain tends to be particularly bad. Whether you or a loved one is hurting, the number one thing on your mind is getting relief, and that's where emergency dentistry can come in.

In general, if you’re in severe pain, have uncontrolled mouth bleeding, or have a traumatic mouth injury, it’s time to seek emergency care. Timely treatment can help save a tooth, prevent infection, and relieve intense discomfort.

Common dental emergencies

The general categories we mentioned above cover a lot of territory. Here are some of the most common situations that bring patients to our office:

• A knocked-out adult tooth
• A loose permanent tooth
• A lost filling
• A lost crown or bridge
• Severe, sudden tooth pain
• Bleeding from the cheeks, tongue, or gums that won’t stop
• Sports injuries affecting the face
• Severe mouth swelling
• A broken tooth

More minor issues, such as a chipped tooth that's otherwise stable, might not be an emergency. However, it's always best to give us a call if you think you might have an emergency.

Handling common dental emergencies at home

Until you reach our office, there are steps you can take to minimize damage and reduce pain.

Lost tooth

If you have lost an adult tooth, grasp the crown (white part) lightly, avoiding contact with the roots. Rinse the tooth under tepid or cool water.

Then, if you can do so without much discomfort, gently place the tooth back in your tooth’s socket. If that feels uncomfortable, submerge your tooth in a cup of cow's milk. 

It keeps the tooth moist and provides important nutrients that can help keep it alive until you reach our office. However, time is crucial: For the best chance of saving the tooth, you need to try and see us within an hour.

Severe tooth pain and swelling

If the pain is severe and you’re experiencing swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth. Over-the-counter medication, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain.

Even if OTC medication and compresses ease your pain, reach out to us right away. Severe pain is often indicative of a serious problem, such as an infection within the tooth's inner "filling," or pulp. This type of infection requires immediate care to save the tooth and get you out of pain.

Help for dental emergencies in Indianapolis

When you or your child needs emergency dental care, we’re here for you. Contact us at 317-358-8885 for fast, compassionate dental care right here in Indianapolis.