What to Do When You Can’t Reach An Emergency Dentist?

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By Elegantly Dental

Dental emergencies strike when you least expect them. Chilling at home after a long day or visiting your family at Ocoee, the last thing you want to be bothered by at such times is a dental emergency. But it happens! A severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or sudden gum swelling steals all your attention and makes you jump through hoops. 

But what happens if you can’t reach your emergency dentist right away? Should you quiver in pain until help arrives? Knowing the right steps in the absence of an emergency dentist can prevent dental complications and ease your discomfort.

Let’s begin the discussion: 

1. Assess the Severity of the Issue

You can only decide whether you’re struggling with a dental emergency or you can wait till your next dentist’s visit by identifying the problem. Is it just pain, bleeding, or a broken tooth? While minor discomfort can wait, severe pain, swelling, or trauma needs urgent oral care.

If you have signs of infection like fever, pus, or a foul taste in the mouth, it’s best to visit an emergency dentist in Ocoee without delay. 

2. Manage Pain and Swelling

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (avoid aspirin if you have gum bleeding) come in handy during dental emergencies.
  • Apply a cold compress to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a stretch. 
  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce gum inflammation and oral bacteria.

3. Handle Dental Emergencies As Per the Situation

Knocked-Out Tooth:

  • Pick up the tooth by the crown. Don’t touch the root.
  • Rinse the tooth gently with milk or saline solution. 
  • If possible, place the tooth back in the socket for reinsertion. 
  • If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk.
  • The faster you seek dental care, the better chance you have to save the tooth.

Knocked-Out Dental Crown:

  • You can apply a little clove oil onto the tooth from where the crown falls off. But don’t apply glue to place it back in its position. You can use toothpaste, denture adhesive, or dental cement for reinsertion.

Chipped Tooth:

  • Swish warm water to prevent oral infection
  • You can apply gauze on the tooth to stop bleeding

Missing Tooth Filling:

  • Place sugarless gum or dental cement to fill the gap

4. Control Bleeding

If your tooth bleeds suddenly, stopping the blood must be your priority. 

  • Use sterile gauze or a clean cloth to apply gentle pressure on the broken or knocked-out tooth.
  • Keep pressure for 10–15 minutes to help clot formation.
  • Avoid rinsing your mouth too much to not disturb the clot.

5. Avoid Making the Problem Worse

  • Follow a diet based on soft foods like broth, or soup, if chewing seems painful.
  • Avoid sugary foods to stop tooth sensitivity
  • Use floss gently to remove food stuck between teeth

The absence of an emergency dentist in Ocoee can be stressful. However, managing pain, controlling bleeding, and seeking alternative care can make a difference. Taking the right steps ensures a better outcome while waiting for professional treatment. If you need immediate assistance, contact our dental provider immediately.

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