What Are Dental Emergencies?

Scheduling regular dental visits can help prevent emergencies. However, accidents still happen, and when they do, it’s best to be seen as soon as possible. Here are the most common types of dental emergencies:

Toothache

A toothache can come on suddenly, and it usually makes it painful to chew or speak. If you experience a toothache, you should visit the dentist as soon as possible. If left untreated, a toothache can lead to serious infections.

If your tooth is infected, our dentists may recommend root canal treatment, which removes infected tissue from the inner part of the tooth. This treatment can save your tooth and help you avoid the need for an extraction.

Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth is an infected tooth that has an abscess. Abscesses occur when a bacterial infection spreads from the gums to the center of the tooth. This can happen when tooth decay or gum disease is left untreated. Poor oral hygiene or trauma can also cause an abscessed tooth.

Symptoms of an abscessed tooth include pain, swelling, and sensitivity. If you suspect you have an abscess, make an appointment with your dentist right away. You may be able to relieve some of the pain by rinsing your mouth with salt water. However, an abscessed tooth should be taken to the dentist right away.

Broken Tooth

A broken tooth is one of the most common dental emergencies, and there are several reasons why a tooth might break.

• Biting down on a hard piece of food or object.
• A blow to the mouth.
• Grinding or clenching the teeth at night.
• A cracked tooth.
• Clenching or grinding the teeth.

A broken tooth can lead to complications, including infections and tooth loss. So, see your dentist soon.

Knocked-out Tooth

If you knock out a tooth, it’s important to rinse it with clean water or milk. Then, try to place it back in the socket. If you can’t, place it in a cup of milk or water and visit your dentist immediately. If possible, we can place it back in the socket and save your tooth.

Chipped

If a tooth is chipped or cracked, cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugarless gum until you can see the dentist.

While some chips can be repaired with dental bonding, larger chips often require porcelain veneers.

In the event of sudden trauma, go straight to the emergency room.

Lost Restoration

If you lose a dental restoration, such as a dental crown or filling, it is important to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. If the crown or filling is left in place, it could cause further damage to your tooth and gum tissue. If it falls off, bring it with you to your appointment. Your dentist may be able to cement it back on.

In case of dental emergencies, call Dobson Ranch Dental Care at (480) 838-8558 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Christopher Payne.