When to Treat a Dental Injury as an Emergency

At Vitangeli Dental, we know that dental injuries can happen when you least expect them. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a cracked tooth, or a knocked-out tooth, it can be difficult to know what requires urgent care and what can wait. Drs. Louis and Dominic Vitangeli are here to provide trusted emergency dentistry for patients who need relief quickly, ensuring your oral health and comfort are always the top priority.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

A good rule of thumb is that if it feels like an emergency to you, it is an emergency to us. Severe tooth pain, a broken or knocked-out tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, or swelling that won’t subside all require immediate attention. Ignoring these problems can cause more damage, make treatment more complex, and in some cases put your overall health at risk. When in doubt, it’s always best to call your dentist right away.

Common Dental Emergencies

One of the most urgent dental injuries is a knocked-out tooth. Acting quickly can make the difference between saving and losing the tooth. If possible, place it back into the socket without touching the root, or keep it moist in milk until you arrive at our office. Cracked or chipped teeth also need prompt care, as the damage can worsen without treatment. Cuts to the lips, tongue, or gums may seem minor, but if bleeding persists, professional care is necessary. And when tooth pain strikes, it is often a sign of infection or decay that should not be ignored.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

While not every accident can be avoided, some dental injuries are preventable with a little care. Wearing a sports mouthguard during athletic activities greatly reduces the risk of a broken or knocked-out tooth. Avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels, as these can crack or chip teeth. And remember, your teeth are not tools—using them to open packaging or cut objects is a quick way to end up with a dental injury.

What to Do While You Wait for Treatment

If you suffer a dental injury, there are a few steps you can take before arriving at our office. Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and use floss to remove any food stuck between painful teeth. Avoid placing aspirin directly on gums or teeth, as this can cause more irritation. Most importantly, contact us immediately so we can arrange to see you as quickly as possible.

Protect Your Smile with Expert Emergency Care

Dental emergencies don’t always happen at convenient times, but you can rest assured knowing Vitangeli Dental is here when you need us most. Drs. Louis and Dominic Vitangeli provide fast, effective treatment to relieve pain and prevent further damage, helping you return to smiling with confidence.

If you experience a dental injury or sudden tooth pain, don’t wait—call Vitangeli Dental right away. We proudly serve patients in Englewood, Dayton, and the surrounding communities with compassionate, expert emergency dental care.