It’s summertime! School’s out, family vacations are in full swing, and summer sports are everywhere. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when dentists often see more dental emergencies because people have more free time to engage in physical activities that make them prone to face trauma and dental emergencies. Whether it is a tooth knocked out by a soccer ball or a tooth cracked from a fall while hiking, knowing how to handle a dental emergency can save your teeth.

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any damage to the teeth or gums that needs immediate attention from a dentist. Most dental emergencies cause severe pain and trauma to the teeth, gums, or jawbone. The most common dental emergencies involve a chipped, cracked, broken, or knocked-out tooth.

What To Do For a Dental Emergency

The most important thing is to remain calm and act quickly. If your child is injured, reassure them, and take action. Follow the steps below for the highest chance of saving any damaged teeth and resolving pain until you can see a dentist:

• Assess the damage. Is the tooth broken, knocked out, or chipped? Is there damage to the gums or jawbone? You will need this information for the next step.
• Call our office immediately and explain the situation. We will give you appropriate instructions for comfort and safety until we can see you. If at all possible, we will see you the same day.
• Control any bleeding applying a clean piece of gauze or a damp tea bag to the area. Use gentle pressure to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding is severe and does not stop, a trip to the Emergency Room is needed.

As family dentists, we have seen many dental emergencies. Once you have controlled any bleeding and assessed the situation, it is essential to contact us immediately. The sooner we can see you or your child, the sooner we can relieve pain and, perhaps, save the tooth. Call our office any time at Tonka Smiles Phone Number 952-938-8533, and we will guide you through your dental emergency.