Common Dental Emergencies
It can happen when you least expect it. You’re playing sports and get hit in your mouth with a ball. Or you bite down on something hard and damage a filling or crown. Situations like these can happen at any time. When they do, you’ll need to know what to do and when to visit that “dentist near me.”
Here are a few of the most common types of dental emergencies that you may encounter:
- Toothache
- Bleeding gums
- Damaged tooth
- Missing dental restoration
Toothache
If you experience sudden tooth pain, or pain that is severe and worsening, this could indicate a larger problem that needs addressing. Tooth pain can be caused by something stuck between teeth, or it could indicate a serious pulp infection. One of the first things to try is flossing between your teeth to try dislodging any food debris that may be stuck there. Never use a sharp object.
If your tooth pain has been ongoing, and is not severe, schedule an appointment soon. If the pain comes on suddenly and is severe, contact an “emergency dentist near me” or your regular dentist. They will ensure that you receive prompt pain relief and a treatment for your condition.
Bleeding Gums
If your gums have started bleeding fairly regularly, it could be an indication of gum disease. Although gum disease is a serious condition in dentistry, it is not normally an emergency situation. If you suspect gum disease, contact your dentist for an appointment at your earliest convenience.
On the other hand, if your bleeding gums occurred following some type of trauma, this is an emergency situation. You could have a fractured tooth or damaged tooth root, which could lead to a serious infection. Your dentist can examine the area, which may include taking x-rays, to rule out any problems.
Damaged Tooth
Even though enamel is an extremely strong substance, it can still be damaged. The most common types of tooth damage are cracks and chips in tooth enamel. A tooth can be damaged due to an accident, biting down on a hard object, or some other type of harsh impact.
Teeth affected by tooth decay are more at risk of becoming chipped or cracked. If your tooth becomes chipped, try to find any fragments and place them in a cloth soaked in milk or water until you can reach your dentist.
Missing Dental Restoration
In the case of a missing dental restoration, try to find it if you can. Things like fillings and crowns are meant to strengthen teeth that have been damaged or affected by tooth decay. If they are damaged or missing, you can again become vulnerable to tooth decay.
In many cases, a dental appointment can wait until Monday. However, if you are experiencing pain afterwards, contact an emergency dentist or your regular dentist right away for their recommendations.
Need an appointment?
If you should ever experience a dental emergency, please call our office. Anytime you are experiencing pain, or have had a dental injury, it is always a good reason to call. Our dental team can evaluate your situation and help you find the appropriate treatment so that you are on the road to recovery.
