Although many dental emergencies can be avoided, it’s still possible to have a problem that requires immediate attention. When it comes to sudden oral issues, it’s important to act quickly and get the help you need to save your smile.
However, it can be hard to know what to do when you’re feeling anxious or in pain. You might wonder whether your situation is considered urgent or what treatments to expect once you get to the dentist’s office, for instance. Continue reading to learn about three common reasons people end up in the dental chair and how they’re typically addressed!
Infamous Emergency #1: Troublesome Toothaches
There are many possible causes behind a throbbing tooth, and some are more dire than others. No dental pain is ever considered normal, though, so it’s usually wise to call your provider. They’ll schedule an appropriate appointment based on your circumstances.
You might require a same-day emergency appointment if the pain is severe, persists for several days, or presents with other signs of infection like fever, sweating, or chills. This is often due to an injured or infected tooth that is vulnerable to additional harm if not treated immediately. You might need a root canal and dental crown to clean and protect it. Otherwise, if it’s too damaged to be fixed or filled, your dentist might recommend extracting and replacing the affected tooth.
Infamous Emergency #2: Lost Restoration
It can be shocking to realize that you’ve bitten into something too hard or sticky or sustained a blow to the face that dislodged or yanked a dental filling or crown out of place. These fixes are necessary to preserve teeth that have cavities or were chipped, cracked, or broken but aren’t intended to last forever. They usually require replacement at some point, so many patients mistakenly believe they can wait to be seen.
It’s important to get help right away because the underlying tooth is vulnerable to additional harm. The longer you wait to fix it, the more likely you will require more involved and costly repairs. Contact your provider so they can address it sooner rather than later.
Infamous Emergency #3: Lacerated Tissues
If you have traditional orthodontics, you’re at an increased risk of cutting the tender tissues inside your mouth. The sharp corners and wires of braces are notorious for injuring your tongue or the insides of your lips and cheeks. Furthermore, athletes or those who participate in team or contact sports are more likely to be hit in the face which can cause similar injuries.
If you’re bleeding, press a clean cloth to the area firmly for a few minutes. If it worsens or doesn’t slow down after about 10 minutes, or if your condition is life-threatening, get to the nearest ER immediately. Otherwise, contact your dentist, and they’ll get you in so they can stitch the wound and examine your mouth to ensure there is no additional damage to your teeth, gums, or jawbone.
Fortunately, proper preventative care can strengthen teeth and gums, making emergencies less likely!
About the Author
Dr. Robert A. Camenzuli enjoys providing a full array of services to help people build happy, healthy smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction achieved by only 6% of providers in North America. He combines a compassionate and cheerful approach with state-of-the-art equipment to devise and implement fully individualized treatments to meet your unique needs. His team always does their best to see emergencies the same day, and offers sedatives so you don’t have to wait for relief. If you’re in pain and need help, you can request an appointment on the website or call (504) 584-4225.