When faced with a dental emergency, it is vital that you seek professional help as soon as possible. Failure to do so could result in long-term damage or even permanent loss of your tooth, emergency dental services are available outside of normal clinic hours, and are designed to provide immediate relief from pain, treat root causes, and prevent further damage. Some of the most common emergencies include severe tooth pain, dental trauma, and cracked or knocked-out teeth. These problems can lead to severe pain, infection, and tooth loss if left untreated. However, when promptly addressed, these issues can often be easily treated and resolved.
Dental emergencies can occur at any time, and patients are sometimes unsure whether or not their situation warrants an emergency visit. The best way to determine whether or not your condition is a dental emergency is to contact an oral specialist and explain your symptoms. The dentist will be able to give you advice and let you know if you need to come in for treatment right away, or if you can wait until the next day.
The most common dental emergencies involve painful conditions such as a toothache, cracked or broken teeth, and impacted wisdom teeth. Pain from these conditions can be a sign of an underlying issue such as gum disease, cavities, or a cracked or chipped tooth. The emergency dentist will examine the affected area, take x-rays, and administer appropriate treatments to address the underlying problem.
Other issues that are often considered to be dental emergencies include severe tooth decay, impacted teeth, and oral infections. While home remedies can often relieve discomfort, these treatments cannot address the underlying cause and should only be used as a temporary measure. In cases of a lost or broken tooth, an emergency dentist can often replace it in-office, and will offer aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.
Dental emergencies often arise from injuries and accidents, such as a blow to the face that results in fractured or missing teeth. While the dentist can often restore these injuries, it is essential that the patient seeks medical attention for any other associated complications, such as broken bones or lacerations.
While some people mistakenly believe that a cracked or chipped tooth is not a dental emergency, it is important to seek care as quickly as possible. Even a small crack can leave the nerves of the tooth exposed, and this can lead to pain, swelling, and infection. In some cases, the underlying tooth may also be damaged by the crack, which can lead to further problems such as a root canal infection or dental implant failure.
If you experience a cracked or chipped tooth, it is recommended that you contact an emergency dental practice as soon as possible to receive treatment. While it is important to avoid chewing on the cracked tooth, if you can locate it and keep it moistened in a glass of milk or saline solution, your chances of replanting it will increase.