What NOT to Do During a Dental Emergency

A dental emergency can happen when you least expect it—a sudden toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a painful infection. In these moments, it’s crucial to act quickly, but it’s equally important to avoid common mistakes that could make the situation worse. At Pure Smiles Dentistry in Marietta, we’re here to guide you on what not to do during a dental emergency and why visiting an emergency dentist, rather than the ER, is often your best option.

1. Don’t Ignore the Problem

One of the worst things you can do during a dental emergency is to ignore the pain or symptoms, hoping they’ll go away on their own. Dental issues rarely resolve without intervention and can worsen if untreated.

Why This Is a Mistake:

• Tooth infections can spread, leading to serious health complications.
• Delaying care could result in tooth loss or the need for more invasive treatments.

What to Do Instead: Call Pure Smiles Dentistry right away for guidance and prompt treatment.

2. Don’t Go to the ER for Dental Issues

While it might seem logical to head to the nearest emergency room for a dental emergency, most ERs aren’t equipped to handle dental-specific issues. Emergency physicians can provide pain relief or antibiotics but won’t be able to address the root cause of your problem.

Why This Is a Mistake:

• You’ll likely spend hours waiting for temporary relief rather than a solution.
• ER visits for dental emergencies can be costly without delivering the care you need.

What to Do Instead: Contact our office in Marietta, where we have the tools and expertise to handle your dental emergency effectively.

3. Don’t Use Home Remedies Without Expert Guidance

It’s tempting to turn to the internet or try DIY fixes for dental pain, such as applying aspirin directly to the gums or using clove oil in excess. However, these remedies can sometimes cause more harm than good.

Why This Is a Mistake:

• Aspirin on the gums can cause chemical burns.
• Overusing home remedies may mask symptoms without treating the cause.

What to Do Instead: Use a cold compress for swelling and over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. Always consult a dentist for proper care.

4. Don’t Panic or Overreact

A dental emergency can be stressful, but panicking can lead to poor decisions, such as trying to reattach a tooth incorrectly or forcing something into place.

Why This Is a Mistake:

• Mishandling a knocked-out tooth can damage the root, making it harder to save.
• Forcing dental work can worsen the injury.

What to Do Instead: Stay calm, retrieve any tooth fragments if applicable, and follow these steps:

• For a knocked-out tooth: Keep it moist in milk or saliva and call our office immediately.
• For severe pain or swelling: Apply a cold compress and seek urgent dental care.

5. Don’t Delay Care Over Financial Concerns

Many people hesitate to seek emergency dental care due to worries about cost. Unfortunately, delaying treatment can lead to more expensive and complicated procedures down the line.

Why This Is a Mistake:

• A small cavity or infection can progress to require a root canal or extraction.
• Ignoring dental emergencies increases the risk of permanent damage.

What to Do Instead: Contact Pure Smiles Dentistry in Marietta to discuss your options. We offer flexible payment solutions to ensure you receive the care you need without financial stress.

When in Doubt, Call Pure Smiles Dentistry

At Pure Smiles Dentistry, we prioritize your comfort and health during dental emergencies. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or trauma to your teeth or gums, don’t wait—call our Marietta office immediately. Knowing what not to do during an emergency is just as important as knowing what steps to take. Let us provide the expert care you need to protect your smile.