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WHAT TO DO IN A DENTAL EMERGENCY
Let’s say you have a dental emergency. Do you go to the hospital or to Pearl Dental Care? Where you go for treatment will depend on the type of emergency and where the problem area is. Accidents such as jaw fractures, major lacerations to the face, trouble breathing or swallowing, or jaw dislocation require immediate attention at a hospital emergency department. For dental emergencies involving broken teeth, missing teeth, abscess, oral wounds, or other emergencies that are not considered life-threatening you should see your dentist for immediate care.
There are several situations the American Dental Association recommends patients become familiar with.
- If a tooth is knocked out, hold the tooth by the crown and rinse it if it is dirty. Do not scrub it. Place the tooth back in the socket if possible or in a cup of milk. Go to your dentist ASAP. The tooth can often be re-implanted if within 1 hour.
- If you break a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply pressure to any bleeding areas with gauze. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth , cheek, or lip, near the broken area. See your dentist ASAP.
- If you bite your tongue or lip clean it gently with a cloth and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If the bleeding is heavy or doesn’t stop see your dentist ASAP.
- If you have a toothache rinse your mouth with warm water and floss the area to remove any trapped food. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth and see your dentist ASAP.
- If you wear braces and a wire is sticking out and poking your cheek, tongue, or gum, use a pencil eraser to push the wire into a more comfortable position or cover the wire with wax until you can get to your dentist.
If it hurts, it’s an emergency. Treatment provided sooner increases the odds of a good prognosis. Don’t be afraid to contact us no matter how big or small your problem may seem.
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Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD
Adam R Abel, DMD, MD
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD, graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Pharmacy and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He spent his general practice residency at Park City Hospital in Bridgeport, CT, and is a graduate of the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL. In 2005, he achieved the highest Academy of General Dentistry honor- Mastership (MAGD). Dr. Pearl is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA), and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Pearl is an expert in many facets of dentistry is constantly advancing what dentistry can offer.
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD, attended college at the University of Connecticut followed be earning a masters degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from Quinnipiac University. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency training at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. In 2021, Dr. Pearl became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a milestone reached by only six percent of dentists in the US. He is President of the New Haven Dental Association from 2024 to 2025 (Board Member since 2021), and a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Dental Association and CT State Dental Association. His clinical interests include CEREC digital dentistry and implants.. He believes that quality dental care can profoundly affect patients’ physical and mental well-being.
View LinkedIn ProfileAdam R Abel, DMD, MD
Adam R Abel, DMD, MD, specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He received his BS from Tufts University and his DMD from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He then underwent specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center. He earned an MD degree at Weill Cornell Medicine and completed extensive training in anesthesiology and general surgery. Dr. Abel also works in NYC and has a teaching position at Weill Cornell, where he also performs advanced jaw surgeries, including orthognathic surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.