Here's how to determine what is a true dental emergency.
We all know accidents happen, and that definitely holds true with the teeth. It's estimated that every year, five million teeth are avulsed, or 
knocked out, and countless others are damaged due to trauma. Knowing how to handle dental emergencies can make a big difference as to whether or not the tooth can be saved. The dental office of Dr. Richard G. Mark in Independence, MO offers some tips for dealing with dental emergencies:
If you've lost a tooth:
Time is of the essence when you've knocked out a tooth completely. It's extremely important to keep the missing tooth moist at all times. If you can't place the tooth back in its socket without touching the root, keep it in your mouth between your cheek and your gums. You can also put it in milk, salt water or a liquid specifically for tooth preservation, which can be found in the first aid section of pharmacies. You should also immediately contact Dr. Mark's Independence dental office and bring the tooth along with you.
If you've broken a tooth:
You should immediately rinse your mouth with warm water to clear the area of any bacteria. You can put cold compresses on your face to keep the swelling down. Taking an analgesic for the pain is fine, but do not put an aspirin tablet on the tooth or gum area. If any fragments break off from the tooth, save them and bring them to your Independence dentist's office with you.
If you have a toothache:
A toothache can be as simple as an object or piece of food caught between the teeth, which may be removed by gentle flossing. Severe toothaches can be the result of a dental abscess, which needs to be seen by Dr. Richard Mark immediately. In addition to extreme pain, the latter may cause swelling, fever or swollen lymph nodes in the area.
If you think you have a dental emergency, don't hesitate to call our Independence office at (816) 461-3660. Be prepared to provide as much detail as possible about the situation. After-hours emergency dentists are available in some cases, but you may also need to visit your local emergency room.