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Founded by the late Dr. Lloyd Miller

Excellence in Dentistry Since 1958

What Is a Dental Emergency, and What Should You Do about It

Dental emergencies can be extremely painful and scary. If you have a dental emergency, it is important to seek treatment immediately.

What Is a Dental Emergency

A dental emergency is any type of injury or pain to your teeth, gums, or jaw. It can be caused by an accident, a fall, or even biting your tongue or lip. If you have a dental emergency, it’s important to seek treatment right away to avoid further damage or pain.

How to Identify a Dental Emergency

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is contact your dentist. If you are unable to reach your dentist, you can go to the emergency room.

There are a few things you can look for to determine if you are experiencing a dental emergency:

  • Severe pain that is not alleviated by over-the-counter pain medication
  • Bleeding that is not stopping
  • Swelling gums
  • A tooth that has been knocked out
  • A broken or cracked tooth

What Are the Most Common Dental Emergency Problems

Here is a look at some of the most common dental emergency problems:

Toothache

A toothache is one of the most common dental emergency problems. It can be caused by a variety of different things, including a cavity, an infection, or even something as simple as food caught between your teeth. Treatment for a toothache will vary depending on the underlying cause.

Avulsed (Knocked-out) Tooth

A tooth that has been knocked out (avulsed) is a serious dental emergency. Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the part that is normally visible in the mouth). 

Broken Tooth

If you have a broken tooth, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. A broken tooth can be caused by a variety of different things, including biting down on hard food, being hit in the mouth, or even grinding your teeth at night. Treatment for a broken tooth will vary depending on the severity of the break.

Abscess

An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms around an infection. If you have an abscess, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Treatment for an abscess usually involves a root canal.

What to Do In Case of a Dental Emergency

If you have a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is call your dentist. If you don’t have a regular dentist, you can call an emergency dental clinic. If you can’t reach a dentist, go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

There are a few different types of dental emergencies, and each one requires different treatment.

Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food that may be stuck between your teeth. If the pain persists, take over-the-counter pain medication and see your dentist as soon as possible.

Avulsed Tooth: Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the part that’s not in your mouth). If the root is dirty, gently rinse it off with water. Do not scrub it or remove any tissue attached to the root. If you can, try to insert the tooth back into the socket. If that’s not possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk or water. See your dentist immediately.

Broken Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food that may be stuck between your teeth. If the pain persists, take over-the-counter pain medication and see your dentist as soon as possible.

Abscessed Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food that may be stuck between your teeth. If the pain persists, take over-the-counter pain medication and see your dentist as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Dental emergency problems can be extremely painful and scary. There are a variety of different dental emergency problems that can occur, and each one requires different treatment. If you have any of these dental emergencies, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the problem could get worse, and you could end up needing more extensive treatment.

Do you have a tooth emergency? Then Weston Dental Specialists Group is here to help! We know that when you’re in pain, the last thing you want to do is wait for an appointment. That’s why we offer emergency dental care, so you can get the treatment you need as soon as possible. We offer a variety of emergency dental services, including extractions, root canals, and dental implants. Let us help you get the care you need. Contact us today to get started!

Posted in Oral Health