Dental Emergency Facts

Will My Toothache Go Away on Its Own?

No amount of tooth pain is considered normal, regardless of how mild it is. Since it will likely not go away on its own, you should make an appointment with Dr. Bartusiak just to ensure that nothing is wrong. He’ll conduct an oral examination to rule out any possible causes for the toothache. With his help, underlying issues can be treated early on before they become complications. If your toothache involves pain around the tooth instead of inside, there’s a chance it’ll disappear by itself without treatment. Of course, it’s always best to visit a dentist to make sure your condition is benign.

Should I Visit the Emergency Room First for Dental Emergencies?

If you or someone you know is having a dental emergency in Washington, the ideal course of action would be to visit a dentist first. They’re most qualified to handle any incidents involving your teeth, gums, and jaw. Contrary to popular belief, emergency rooms are typically unable to address dental emergencies effectively. However, there are three exceptions where an ER visit would be the better option:

• Jaw fractures and dislocations
• Serious cuts or lacerations to the face or mouth
• Swollen abscess or infection that affects breathing or swallowing

Do I Need to Visit for Minor Chips to Teeth?

A chipped, fractured, or broken tooth will not heal on its own. Unless you seek treatment, it will only become more damaged as time goes on. You’ll need to make an appointment with Dr. Bartusiak to fix the tooth, especially if it’s sharp or jagged. He’ll assess the severity of the break to determine the most ideal solution for your needs.

What Should I Keep in My Emergency Dentistry Kit?

As mentioned earlier, a dental emergency can strike at the most unexpected times. That’s why you should be prepared and have an emergency dentistry kit with you at all times. Not sure what to include in your kit? Here’s a checklist of some essentials you should definitely have:

• Small sealable container for teeth or dental restorations
• Sterile gloves
• Gauze pad, dressings, cotton balls
• Denture adhesive
• Petroleum jelly
• Anti-inflammatories (i.e., ibuprofen)
• Floss
• Ice pack
• Your dentist’s emergency contact information