Dental Emergencies
Experiencing a dental emergency can be both alarming and painful, sometimes striking when you least expect it. Whether it’s a severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or an unexpected injury to your gums, understanding how to handle these urgent situations can significantly impact your oral health.
At Roberts Dental Group, cosmetic dentist Justin Roberts, DDS and family dentist Olivia Straka, DDS care deeply about the dental well-being of their patients and strive to address emergencies in a swift manner. They emphasize the importance of timely professional treatment to ensure the best outcomes. With the right knowledge and timely intervention, provided by Dr. Roberts and Dr. Straka, you can effectively address and minimize the effects of dental emergencies.
- Dental Emergency Examples
- Dental Emergency Causes
- Dental Emergency Prevention
- Dental Emergency At-Home Treatments
What Are Examples of a Dental Emergency?
Common dental emergencies include:
- Severe toothache
- A knocked-out or loose tooth
- A chipped or broken tooth
- Damaged or missing dental crown or filling
- Infection or abscess
- Jaw injury or trauma
- Gum pain or bleeding
- Swelling in the mouth
These are just potential concerns and there are other dental emergencies not listed. If you believe you are experiencing a dental emergency, whether listed above or not, please contact our office right away.
What Are Common Causes of Dental Emergencies?
There are multiple potential causes of dental emergencies. Accidents or injuries can sometimes result in broken, cracked, or knocked-out teeth, while poor oral hygiene can also lead to severe infections or abscesses. Neglecting dental care may result in deteriorated fillings or crowns, which can suddenly fail and cause pain or sensitivity. Participating in sports without protective gear, such as mouthguards, increases the risk of traumatic dental injuries. Additionally, biting on hard foods or objects can unexpectedly damage teeth, and sudden onset of conditions such as severe toothaches or gum disease can escalate quickly, often necessitating emergency care.
How Can I Prevent a Dental Emergency?
Some dental emergencies can be prevented while others may simply be an accident. Many concerns can be caused by poor dental hygiene, so it is important to maintain a good routine of brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regularly visiting the dentist for check-ups and cleanings. To help minimize the risk of an accident during sports or physical activities, use quality mouthguards. Avoid biting down on hard foods and objects including ice, hard candy, and popcorn kernels, and don’t use your teeth as tools to cut or open things. Address minor issues promptly before they worsen and ensure dental restorations are in good condition.
Can Dental Emergencies Be Treated At Home?
Some dental emergencies require immediate professional treatment, but temporary measures can often be taken at home to manage symptoms until you can see a dentist. Some at-home options include:
- Knocked-out tooth – Gently rinse the tooth without touching the root and try to reinsert it into the socket. If that is not possible, keep it moist in milk or saliva.
- Toothache or jaw pain – For pain relief, apply a cold compress to the affected area and take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Avoid extensively using your jaw.
- Swelling – Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to cleanse and use a cold compress.
- Chipped or broken tooth – Gently swish warm water in your mouth to remove tooth debris.
These are only temporary solutions. Severe symptoms like uncontrolled bleeding, intense pain, or signs of infection typically require professional dental care to prevent further complications or permanent damage.
To learn more about dental emergencies or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Roberts or Dr. Straka, please contact our office.