Care For Dental Emergencies Exactly When You Need It

Even though we wish dental emergencies wouldn’t happen, they do end up happening. When an emergency pops up, it’s important to be prepared. Knowing what to do in an emergency situation can make all the difference in your oral health. Dr. Alla Agamov, DMD can tell you what to do in specific dental emergencies and she can help restore your oral health afterward. She proudly offers emergency dental care to patients across MA, including Stoughton, Foxborough, and Canton, MA. 

In Case of Permanent Tooth Loss

Even though adult teeth are called the ‘permanent teeth’ they aren’t guaranteed to last in every situation. Dental trauma including being hit or struck in the mouth can cause you to lose an adult tooth, in which case, Dr. Agamov recommends the following steps:

1. Keep your tooth wet. Try to place it back in the socket. If that’s too painful, hold it between your cheek and gums. You can also place it in a glass of milk or saline solution.
2. Call our office immediately. Contacting us as soon as the emergency happens will increase our chances of saving your tooth. If we’re open, we’ll try to bring you in the same day so you can be treated immediately. 
3. Go to the nearest emergency room if our office isn’t open. The medical professionals there will be able to help you maintain your tooth and heal any oral injuries you may have until you can see a specialist like Dr. Agamov.  

In Case Of A Cracked Tooth or a Bitten Lip/Tongue 

Sometimes a tooth isn’t lost, but becomes damaged due to a crack, or a major chip. Even more commonplace is injuring your tongue or lip by accidentally biting it. Emergency at-home dental treatment for a cracked tooth or a bitten tongue or lip includes: 

1. 1. Rinse your mouth with a warm salt solution. The saltwater will help eliminate bacteria that seek to enter the injury and cause further damage or infection. To make a salt solution, mix one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water. Rinse thoroughly with the solution for 30 seconds three times a day or after every meal.
   2. Avoid chewing in the damaged area and stick to a soft diet until your dentist says it’s safe to switch back to the foods you normally eat.
   3. Continue brushing and flossing regularly. Proper oral hygiene is essential to keeping your mouth sanitary and preventing bacteria from penetrating your injury. 
   4. Avoid foods and drinks that can irritate and inflame the injury. Common items to avoid include those that are spicy, caffeinated, hot, and alcoholic.
   5. Call our office as soon as possible. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can provide treatment.
   6. Use a warm or cold compress to help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.    

In Case Something Is Lodged Between Your Teeth

If something becomes lodged between your teeth, never attempt to remove it with something sharp like scissors or a knife. This can cause serious injury. Instead, use floss to gently work the obstruction out. Dr. Agamov recommends waxed floss if the gaps between your teeth are very small as it will be less likely to get stuck. If your gaps are large enough, use unwaxed floss. 

In Case of Toothaches

Toothaches can occur for many reasons including trauma and infection. If your tooth is hurting, your dentist recommends the following:

1. Don’t put aspirin directly on the affected tooth or gums. Aspirin is highly acidic so placing aspirin directly on the tooth can result in a serious chemical burn. 
2. Use a warm or cold compress to manage pain. 
3. Use over-the-counter pain relievers. Follow instructions on their proper use.
4. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Agamov as soon as possible.

How To Protect Your Teeth

The best treatment for dental emergencies is still prevention. Keeping every part of your mouth in good condition will allow you to better protect your oral health and avoid the need for more costly, potentially invasive restorative treatments down the line. To protect your mouth and teeth against dental emergencies, try the following:

1. Always wear a mouthguard when playing sports. If you don’t have a mouthguard, talk to Dr. Agamov about having one custom-made for you.
2. Avoid chewing on hard food such as hard candy, popcorn kernels, and ice as these items are especially good at breaking teeth.
3. Use scissors instead of your teeth to cut things open.
4. Avoid tobacco products and limit alcohol. Tobacco and alcohol often inhibit your body’s ability to heal, exacerbating any oral injury you may have or receive.
5. Practice proper oral hygiene and attend regular dental exams. Consistent at-home and professional care will help you maintain your smile and your oral health, so dental emergencies are less likely to occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Emergency Dental Care Now? Call Alla Agamov, DMD

Dental emergencies require quick response and timely, effective treatment. Dr. Agamov can protect your oral health in a dental emergency by giving you the care you require as soon as she can. To learn more about how to prevent and treat dental emergencies, or to receive emergency dental care as soon as possible, call our Sharon, MA office by dialing (781) 236-3586. You can also fill out and submit our contact form and a friendly team member will get back to you shortly.