What Are the Different Types of Dental Emergencies?

What Are the Different Types of Dental Emergencies?

Dental emergencies can occur at any time. A dentist should always be consulted no matter how small or simple your dental emergency is. Ignoring it could not only lead to complications but also cause permanent damage to your teeth. Listed below are different types of dental emergencies:

Knocked-out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth should be treated as an emergency until you can get to the dentist’s office. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently in cool running water without scrubbing or scraping at it. Do not remove any debris from the socket of the tooth; leave it alone to prevent more damage to the gum and jaw area. An ice pack can be applied to the cheek to reduce swelling. Place the injured tooth back in the socket if possible, but if you cannot place it back in, place the tooth under your tongue to keep it moist and safe. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed for pain.

In order to save a knocked-out tooth, it is necessary to see a dentist immediately. The dentist will clean the area and remove the damaged tissue, then the crown or filling is placed back on the tooth to stabilize it until a permanent crown can be placed. If too much time passes, the tooth cannot be saved.

Broken or Cracked Tooth

A broken, cracked, or chipped tooth is an emergency because it exposes the sensitive inner layers of the tooth to harmful bacteria and creates an entry point for infection. In severe cases, a broken or fractured tooth can affect the nerves inside the tooth, which requires emergency treatment by a dental professional.

Object Caught Between Teeth

An object can become stuck between your teeth and cause irritation and pain. If an object is stuck in a tooth, you should first try to remove the item with dental floss. If that doesn’t work, call us to schedule an appointment right away.

Swelling or Infection

Patients can experience pain, tooth loss, and swelling in their gums as a result of a swollen gum line. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, including advanced periodontal disease, infections, abscesses, impacted teeth, and broken braces. The most common cause of these damages is severe tooth decay. If treated early enough, these issues can often be resolved with periodontal cleaning and antibiotics. However, if left untreated for too long, patients may need to have extractions or other surgical procedures to treat their condition. When dealing with swelling in the gums, it’s important to seek the help of your dentist as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage to your oral health.

Toothache

A toothache can be very painful and is usually caused by severe tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, or a damaged filling or crown. If you are experiencing a toothache, it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible to prevent the issue from worsening. Your dentist will examine your mouth to determine the cause of the discomfort. The treatment you receive will depend on the cause of the pain.

For mild cases of toothaches, you should rinse your mouth out with salt water and apply a cold compress to your face to reduce swelling. Try to avoid eating or drinking at extreme temperatures until the pain subsides. If your tooth is sensitive, you should try to eat only soft foods and brush and floss gently. You need to contact your dentist to schedule an appointment.

To schedule your appointment with Dr. Asante at First Class Smiles of Bethesda, call (301) 264-5015 today! We are conveniently located at 7201 Wisconsin Ave # 370, Bethesda, MD 20814.