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Dental Emergencies: What to Do and When to Visit the Dentist

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and it’s important to know what to do and when to visit the dentist. This post will explore the different types of dental emergencies, what to do in each situation, and when to visit the dentist.

Types of Dental Emergencies

There are several types of dental emergencies, including:

  • Toothache. A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth that can be caused by tooth decay, a broken tooth, gum disease, or a trapped food particle.
  • Chipped or broken tooth. A chipped or broken tooth can be caused by biting down on something hard, playing sports, or experiencing trauma to the mouth.
  • Knocked-out tooth. A knocked-out tooth can occur due to a sports injury, accident, or fall.
  • Lost filling or crown. A lost filling or crown can be caused by biting down on something hard or experiencing trauma to the mouth.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

In a dental emergency, it’s essential to take immediate action to minimize the risk of further damage to your teeth and gums. For example, if you have a toothache, you should rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food particles that may be stuck between your teeth. If you have a chipped or broken tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you have a knocked-out tooth, you should rinse the tooth with warm water and try to place it back in its socket. If you can’t place the tooth back in its socket, put it in a container of milk or saliva to keep it moist until you can get to the dentist.

When to Visit the Dentist

In a dental emergency, it’s important to visit the dentist as soon as possible. The dentist can diagnose the problem and provide treatment to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. If you’re experiencing severe pain, swelling, or bleeding, you should visit the emergency room first and then see the dentist.

Count On Us to Help

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and it’s important to know what to do and when to visit the dentist. In a dental emergency, it’s vital to take immediate action to minimize the risk of further damage to your teeth and gums. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, visit Cochran Family Dental in Leesburg, VA. Our team of dental professionals can provide treatment to help prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. Call us at 703-771-9034 or use our contact form to schedule an appointment. Our friendly staff is here to help you every step of the way.


Cochran Family Dental serves residents in Leesburg, Ashburn, Purcellville, Potomac Falls, Lansdowne, Sterling, Hamilton, and the surrounding Virginia communities.

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    Cochran Family Dental

    Dr. Cochran

    At Cochran Family Dental we strive to offer the best quality treatment and service possible to the great people of Loudoun and the surrounding area.

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