Dental trauma thankfully is an uncommon occurrence, but when it occurs it is often associated with significant pain, discomfort, and anxiety.

Whether it’s a sports-related injury, or just an unfortunate incident, knowing how to handle dental trauma is crucial. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps you should take when faced with a dental emergency, how to manage pain and discomfort, and the importance of seeking immediate professional help.

Being prepared and informed will make a significant difference in ensuring the best possible outcome when dental trauma strikes.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation: The first and most important step when dealing with dental trauma is to remain calm. Assess the situation to determine the severity of the injury. Is it a cracked tooth, a knocked-out tooth, or a displaced tooth? By evaluating the condition, you can take appropriate action to minimize further damage.
2. How to handle a Knocked-Out Tooth: If a tooth gets knocked out, time is of the essence. If the tooth is dirty rinse the tooth gently with water, holding it by the crown (the top part) and avoid touching the root. Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket, if possible, and bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If reinsertion is not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or a tooth preservation solution and seek immediate dental care.
3. Dealing with a Displaced Tooth: In cases where a tooth has been pushed out of position but not fully knocked out, avoid forcing it back into place. Instead, try to gently guide it back into its original position using light pressure. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and seek professional dental care as soon as possible.
4. Managing a Cracked or Broken Tooth: If you have a cracked or broken tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Apply a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces of the tooth and seek immediate dental attention for proper evaluation and treatment.
5. Pain Relief and Discomfort Management: Dental trauma often causes pain and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken to alleviate the pain temporarily until you can see a dentist. Avoid applying aspirin directly to the affected area, as it may cause further irritation. Applying a cold pack to the outside of your mouth can also help reduce pain and swelling.
6. Seek Immediate Professional Help: It is crucial to seek prompt dental care following any dental trauma. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s essential to have a dentist evaluate the situation to prevent potential complications. Dental professionals have the expertise to diagnose the extent of the injury, provide appropriate treatment, and restore your oral health.

Experiencing dental trauma can be a distressing situation, but knowing how to respond can make a significant difference in the outcome. Remember to stay calm, assess the situation, and seek immediate professional help. By taking prompt action, managing pain and discomfort, and following your dentist’s guidance, you can ensure the best possible recovery and minimize the long-term impact of any dental trauma.

In this case treated by Andrew at City Bridge Dental Care, the patient couldn’t access immediate dental treatment and wasn’t able to find any of his broken tooth. This increased the complexity of the restorative work required but following several treatments and the placement of an all ceramic crown made by Matt at H2W the patients smile was restored.

If you need to find out how your smile can be restored following dental trauma please contact the team at City Bridge Dental Care on 0117 950 7949 or visit us online to book an appointment.