Dental emergencies are more common than you would think. Call your dentist immediately to seek care and instructions. Contacting your emergency dentist can help you plan the best course of action to save your tooth or help you manage your pain until you can get in. Here are 5 common dental emergencies that require a visit to the emergency dentist.
Toothache
Some of the most common dental emergencies begin with a toothache. Pain is never normal and can indicate the presence of many issues, including tooth decay or a very deep cavity. While many toothaches are manageable without emergency treatment, you should pay attention to signs that require immediate attention, such as swelling or bleeding. With a toothache, apply a cold compress and call your emergency dentist for care.
Broken Orthodontics
Orthodontic equipment like braces can break, or the wires can come loose and poke your cheeks or gums. These conflicts can cause discomfort, tissue damage and slow or reverse the straightening process if left untreated. You can straighten the wire to avoid further damaging your mouth, then get in to see your orthodontist immediately.
Chipped or Broken Teeth
A chip or break in the teeth can be incredibly painful, and without immediate care, it can cause damage to your tooth or lead to an infection. Chips or breaks can be caused by a fall or biting down on something a little too hard. If you chip or break a tooth, you want to rinse your mouth with warm water and use gauze to stop the bleeding. If you have broken pieces, hold on to them and store them in cold water or milk to bring them to the dentist. Apply a cold compress to help you relieve the pain and reduce swelling, call your dentist.
Knocked-Out Teeth
Handle a knocked-out tooth the same way you manage a chipped or broken tooth. Call your emergency dentist right away. You will need to pick up the tooth and rinse it with water if dirty. You’ll want to avoid scrubbing to prevent the removal of any tissue still attached. You may be able to put the tooth back in place depending on the nature of the injury but be careful not to force it back in. The sooner you can get it in, the more likely you will be able to save the tooth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, place it in a cup of milk or water with a small pinch of salt.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is an infection in the mouth that looks like a pimple or swollen spot on your gums. An abscess should be taken seriously and can appear near the tooth’s root or between the spaces within the tooth. If untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding teeth, gums, and the rest of the body. You should seek emergency dental care to prevent the infection from worsening. You can apply an ice compress and rinse your mouth with a gentle salt water solution.
If you are experiencing any dental emergency, contact Loren J. Grossman & Steven Hippeli General & Cosmetic Dentistry to speak to our emergency dentist in northeastern PA, to get you in as soon as possible. We can help you manage your pain and develop a customized care plan.
