Dental emergencies happen unexpectedly, just like a medical emergency. Chances are, you have at least a few items at home for that unanticipated cut or fall, so why wouldn’t you keep a first aid kit for dental emergencies, too? Consider some essential things you need handy for that unplanned dental crisis that requires an emergency dentist in Indianapolis, IN, or elsewhere.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is anything affecting your mouth that requires immediate attention. Some examples of dental emergencies include:

• Severe toothache
• Knocked out tooth
• Fractured tooth
• Trauma to the mouth
• Swelling or pain around a tooth or in your jaw
• Discharge from a tooth or soft tissue
• Bleeding in the mouth that won’t stop
• Lost or broken filling, bridge, denture, or restoration
• Something stuck in or between teeth

Any of these problems requires you to call your emergency dentist right away.

What to Have in Your Dental Emergency Kit

When stocking your dental emergency kit, a great place to start is with a pain reliever.

OTC Pain Reliever

Choose an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Most dental emergencies are painful, so this will likely be necessary. You might also stock an anesthetic gel to temporarily relieve the problem area.

Cleaning Tools

You’ll also want to clear the area of blood and debris. This should include gauze squares, cotton balls, and swabs. If there is bleeding, you can bite down on these, too.

Dental Wax

Use dental wax to cover any sharp areas on teeth or orthodontic appliances. This will keep them from causing further damage to the mouth.

These are just a few staple items you need. Over time, you can add more to your kit, such as disposable gloves, a dental mirror, and even temporary dental filling material.

Also, be sure to include the contact information for your emergency dentist in Indianapolis, IN, in the kit so you won’t have to look for it.

Did you know that 13 to 39 percent of all dental injuries occur while playing sports? This type of trauma is often a dental emergency, and doing the right thing right away can be the difference between saving that brilliant smile and losing it.

Immediate First-Aid for Sports-Related Dental Emergencies

Proper first-aid is critical. It gives the emergency dentist in Indianapolis, IN, the best chance of saving a tooth or protecting the patient’s oral health.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If you knock out a tooth, the first step is to find and rinse it under tap water. Try to avoid touching the root of the tooth as you handle it.

Once you have the tooth and it is clean, put it in a small, clean container, preferably with a lid, for safekeeping. You should call the dentist right away. The tooth needs to be put back in within two hours to save it.

Chipped Tooth

The most important thing to remember about a chipped tooth is not to ignore it. Even the smallest of chips or cracks will expand over time. It can also allow bacteria to enter the tooth, which can cause more damage.

Broken Tooth

First aid isn’t as critical for a broken tooth, but it can help keep you more comfortable while you wait to see the emergency dentist. You should:

• Rinse your mouth out with warm water. Spit the water out.
• Apply an icepack to your cheek.

If possible, collect any broken pieces and take them with you to your emergency dental appointment.

Apply direct pressure to any bleeding injury using clean gauze. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, contact the dentist or get medical attention.

Preventing sports-related dental emergencies is always the best option. Wear a mouthguard for all contact sports. If you suffer an injury, contact your emergency dentist in Indianapolis, IN, to make an appointment.

Life is full of surprises, but not all of them are pleasant. Dental emergencies can strike at any time, whether it’s a chipped tooth, a sudden toothache, or a knocked-out tooth from an accident. When you’re in pain and need immediate care, Indiana Emergency Dental is here to help. Serving Indianapolis and Bloomington, IN, we specialize in providing fast, reliable emergency dental care when you need it most.

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

At Indiana Emergency Dental, we’ve seen it all. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies we handle:

• Toothaches: Sudden or severe tooth pain can be caused by a variety of issues, including cavities, infections, or gum disease. We quickly diagnose the problem and provide relief.
• Broken or Chipped Teeth: Accidents happen, and when they do, it’s important to address a broken or chipped tooth promptly to prevent further damage.
• Knocked-Out Teeth: Acting quickly is crucial if you’ve lost a tooth due to trauma. Bring the tooth with you if possible, and we’ll do our best to save it.
• Abscessed Teeth: Dental abscesses can cause severe pain and swelling and, if untreated, may lead to serious complications. Our team is experienced in treating infections effectively.
• Lost Fillings or Crowns: A lost filling or crown can expose your tooth to further damage. We provide swift replacements to protect your smile.

Why Choose Indiana Emergency Dental?

Dental emergencies can be stressful, but finding the right care shouldn’t be. Here’s why Indiana Emergency Dental is the go-to choice for patients in Indianapolis and Bloomington:

• Immediate Appointments: We prioritize emergency cases to ensure you receive the care you need without delay.
• Experienced Team: Our skilled dentists are trained to handle a wide range of dental emergencies with expertise and compassion.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: With advanced dental technology and modern techniques, we provide top-notch care in a comfortable environment.
• Convenient Locations: Serving both Indianapolis and Bloomington, we make it easy to access emergency dental care no matter where you are.

How to Handle a Dental Emergency

Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can make a big difference. Here are some quick tips:

• For a Knocked-Out Tooth: Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently and try to place it back in its socket if possible. If not, keep it in milk or a saline solution and bring it with you to our office.
• For Severe Tooth Pain: Rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling. Avoid taking aspirin as it can thin your blood and worsen bleeding.
• For a Broken Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any fragments. Use a cold compress to manage swelling and visit us as soon as possible.

Preventing Future Emergencies

While some dental emergencies are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Maintain regular dental check-ups to address potential issues before they become emergencies.
• Wear a mouthguard during sports or other physical activities to protect your teeth.
• Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or popcorn kernels that can damage your teeth.

Don’t Wait—Get the Care You Need Now

When it comes to dental emergencies, time is of the essence. Delaying care can lead to more severe problems and increased pain. That’s why Indiana Emergency Dental is committed to providing prompt, effective treatment to restore your oral health and peace of mind.

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call us immediately or visit one of our convenient locations in Indianapolis or Bloomington, IN. Let us take care of your dental emergency so you can get back to living your life pain-free.