Common Dental Emergencies: What to Do Before You Reach the Dentist
Dental emergencies force patients to make decisions before they know exactly what has happened. A tooth may break while eating, swelling may appear overnight, or pain may suddenly become severe. Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can reduce additional damage while professional care is arranged. First aid does not replace diagnosis, but the correct response can protect an injured tooth and support more predictable treatment. Severe Toothache That Continues to Worsen Persistent tooth pain can result from deep decay, inflammation inside the tooth, a crack, infection, or pressure around an erupting tooth. Pain that becomes stronger, interrupts sleep, radiates into the jaw, or occurs with swelling should not be managed only with home remedies. Patients should contact a provider of emergency dental care in Rochester and explain when the pain began, whether it is continuous or triggered, and whether swelling or fever is present. Until the appointment, the mouth may be rinsed gent...