Dental emergency

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

A dental emergency is a type of medical emergency involving the teeth or gingiva. Pain involving these parts of the mouth, even when minor, can indicate a severe underlying problem that could worsen with time. It is important to contact a dentist as soon as possible for a professional evaluation to minimize damage to the teeth, gums, and supporting bone. Short-term action can be taken to relieve oral pain, which can be very severe.

Severe Pain

Oil of cloves, containing eugenol, is commonly used to treat dental pain. A drop of oil of cloves can be applied with a cotton swab to relieve pain from dental caries. After wisdom teeth extraction, a condition known as dry socket can develop when nerve endings are exposed to air. A piece of sterile gauze or cotton soaked in oil of cloves may be placed in the socket after careful cleaning with saline to relieve this form of pain.

Analgesics such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen are recommended. Ibuprofen has the additional benefit of being anti-inflammatory. Ice and/or heat are also frequently recommended. A dentist can prescribe additional medications if necessary.