What to Do in a Dental Crisis

What to Do in a Dental Crisis

28 / 03 / 2025

When a dental crisis strikes, acting quickly can make a huge difference. Whether it’s a chipped tooth, severe pain, or a lost filling, staying calm and taking the right steps goes a long way. For those in need of quick dental assistance, Crown Bank Dental is here to help as your trusted Cheshire emergency dentist. Our guide will walk you through simple actions to take when unexpected dental problems arise, ensuring your smile stays healthy and cared for.

Don’t panic – help is always closer than you think. Let’s explore what to do when urgent dental care is needed and how you can protect your smile.

Dental Issues That Need Urgent Attention

Dental emergencies can be stressful, but knowing what requires urgent care helps protect your oral health. Quick action ensures the best outcome, so always seek quick help in these situations to keep your smile healthy and protected. Below are key dental emergencies that need immediate attention:

• Severe Toothache – Persistent or intense pain may indicate infection or decay, and urgent treatment is needed to prevent further damage.
• Broken Tooth – A cracked or fractured tooth risks infection and discomfort. Seeking prompt care ensures proper repair and long-term protection.
• Knocked-Out Tooth – A tooth lost due to trauma can often be restored if treated within 30 minutes by a dentist.
• Excessive Gum Bleeding – Unexpected, uncontrolled bleeding could signal a serious issue requiring immediate evaluation and care.
• Dislodged or Loose Tooth – Stability problems with a tooth may result from injury and should be assessed promptly to safeguard your smile.
• Dental Abscess – A painful, swollen enlargement often indicates an infection that needs urgent treatment to preserve surrounding teeth and tissues.

Steps to Take When Dealing With a Dental Emergency

• Keeping your composure is important when you’re faced with a dental emergency. First, assess the severity of the situation by identifying symptoms like pain, bleeding, or visible damage. For urgent cases like a knocked-out tooth or uncontrolled bleeding, seek medical care right away.

• Contact a dentist immediately for professional advice and to schedule an appointment. While waiting for professional help, it’s crucial to act quickly, especially if a tooth has been knocked out. For adult teeth or permanent teeth in children, time is of the essence. If you can find the tooth, gently clean it with milk or saliva (not water), and try to reinsert it into the socket.

• If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist by holding it in your mouth or placing it in milk. Don’t let it dry out. For baby teeth, don’t attempt reinsertion; instead, save the tooth and seek immediate dental care. In all cases of dental emergencies, rinse your mouth gently with warm water to keep the area clean. Over-the-counter pain medication and applying a cold compress can help manage pain and reduce swelling while you make your way to a dentist as soon as possible.

• For lost fillings or crowns, temporary dental repair kits from a pharmacy can provide short-term relief. If a tooth has been knocked out, you can rinse and preserve it in saliva or milk until you can get treatment.

• Avoid attempting any advanced fixes at home – trust your dentist to handle precise treatments. Taking quick, informed actions will help improve your oral health and the outcome of a difficult situation.

Preparing for Your Dental Visit

Keep your teeth clean by brushing and flossing before your appointment. Make sure to arrive on time so the dentist can focus on providing the best care. Share any concerns or relevant medical history to help ensure your treatment is personalised to your needs. These steps will help you feel prepared and make your dental visit as smooth and effective as possible. Your oral health will thank you!

Tips for Preventing Dental Emergencies

Taking simple steps to care for your teeth can help minimise the risk of any unexpected dental problems:

• Brush and floss regularly – Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss to remove plaque and hidden food particles.
• Use a mouthguard for sports – Protect your teeth from impacts during physical activities with a fitted mouthguard.
• Avoid chewing hard items – Avoid chewing ice, pen caps, or other hard objects that might damage your teeth.
• Visit your dentist twice a year – Routine checkups ensure early detection of issues and maintain your oral health.
• Eat tooth-friendly foods – Fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy help strengthen teeth and support overall dental health.
• Address oral pain promptly – Contact your dentist if you notice discomfort to prevent small problems from getting worse.

Get Urgent Dental Care at Crown Bank Dental

Our team at Crown Bank Dental understands the distress and urgency of dental emergencies. We allocate dedicated time each day for such cases during our normal working hours. We’ll take prompt action to alleviate your pain, stop infection, and restore your smile as soon as possible.

Whether you need a new crown or filling, suffer from oral pain, or want to invest in effective preventive measures, we’re here for all your dental needs throughout Cheshire. Don’t deal with dental discomfort – contact us today for compassionate care and professional expertise!