Emergency Dentist in Vienna: How to Handle Dental Emergencies

It can be easy to get carried away while playing your favorite sport. One moment you’re running towards the goal line and you’re heart is pounding, the next moment you’re tackled to the ground and you feel a painful sensation stemming from your mouth. It was in that moment you realize you forgot to put in your mouthguard.

When your tooth is sitting on the ground, what do you do? An emergency dentist in Vienna is prepared to answer that and much more.

Knocked-Out Teeth

First start by locating the tooth and picking it up only by the crown. This refers to the visible portion in your smile that you brush on a daily basis. Once picked up, make sure not to accidentally remove any tissue still attached to the root. If dirty or covered in debris, gently rinse the tooth, then attempt to place it back into your open socket the same way it was facing before.

If the tooth does not stay after gently biting down when placed, put the tooth into a small container of milk, saltwater, or saline solution. In the worst-case scenario, you can use your own saliva as well. All of these fluids work to preserve your tooth and improve the chances of having it reimplanted by a dentist later. Keep in mind that these fluids will only keep teeth preserved for up to an hour.

Severe Toothaches

Start by rinsing your mouth out with warm water and using dental floss to remove food that may be lodged in between your teeth. If the pain persists, take an over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen, but avoid aspirin as direct contact can burn your gum tissue. If swelling is present, use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth.

Cracked or Chipped Teeth

If your tooth is only minorly chipped and no pain is present, you can wait until normal business hours to get your tooth fixed with dental bonding. However, if the tooth is significantly cracked or the crack extends below the gum line, start by rinsing your mouth with warm water and saving any broken pieces. Apply gauze to the area for about 10 minutes if bleeding occurs.

Lost Dental Crowns or Fillings

If your filling is lost, stick either a sugarless piece of gum or over-the-counter dental cement to temporarily cover the exposed tooth. If your dental crown falls off, use a cotton swab to apply clove oil to the exposed tooth. Clove oil can be found in any drug store or spice aisle in your grocery store. Use dental cement to temporarily stick the crown back onto the damaged tooth.

Regardless of the emergency you’re experiencing, you should always schedule an appointment with a dentist in Vienna to get treated, ideally for the same day. Don’t put off emergencies when they occur!

About the Author

Dr. Alex Naini earned her dental degree from the Maryland Dental School and Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. Thanks to her continuing education, she’s specifically trained to help you rebuild and restore your smile if a dental injury occurs. To learn more about her expertise or get an emergency handled, you can contact her through her website.