Dental Emergency

What Is a Dental Emergency

Just like medical emergencies, dental emergencies occur unexpectedly and require immediate care. They can happen from a variety of issues, whether an infection, a broken tooth, or the loss of a filling. When these emergencies happen, they can cause great pain, and inhibit eating and drinking comfortably. Timing is vital when it comes to many dental emergencies, to keep a tooth from dying, to stop pain, and keep the gums from bleeding. If you think that you are experiencing a dental emergency, it is important to get in touch with us so we can help diagnose your emergency and give you treatment quickly.

What To Do In A Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies range in severity and urgency, which is why it is important to talk to a dental professional to help ensure you get the appropriate treatment. Depending on your problem, there can be at home care that you can use to hold you over until you’re able to book an emergency dental treatment. If you are able to determine the root of your pain, we will be able to help to diagnose your pain and get you back to feeling your best quickly. And while they may be inconvenient or painful, the good news is that in most instances there won’t be lasting damage.

Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are common because teeth are put through a lot of abuse each day. Some of the most common dental injuries include a knocked out tooth as a result of an impact to the jaw, lost fillings or crowns, broken or cracked teeth, bleeding from the gums, or irritation from braces.

Knocked Out Tooth:

A knocked out tooth occurs when the entire tooth, including the root, is dislodged from the jaw. If you have the tooth, it’s important to replace it within an hour to ensure the highest likelihood of re-implanting. Handle gently from the crown, place back into the socket and get to an emergency dental provider stat.

Lost Filling/Crown:

If you lose a filling or crown, the delicate parts of your teeth that they protected are at risk for further damage and debris filling the space. It’s important to keep the space clean, avoid foods that can irritate it, and use a temporary filling from a drug store until you are able to make an appointment with a dental provider.

Broken Tooth:

In many instances, broken, cracked or chipped teeth are more annoying than painful. They can become sensitive as a result. Most commonly, they require either a dentist to insert a filling or crown to repair them, unless it is severe enough that an extraction is required.

Gum Bleeding:

Gums most commonly bleed as a result of gum disease or gingivitis . If your gums regularly bleed after flossing or brushing, this may be a sign of these treatable diseases, but they can also be the sign of something more so it is important to get it checked out.