What Are the Different Types of Dental Emergencies?

A dental emergency is a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately. If you experience a dental emergency, you should visit the dentist as soon as possible. It's important to have a dentist you can count on for emergencies.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If your tooth is knocked out, follow these steps to ensure its safe recovery:

• Pick up the missing tooth by the crown and rinse it off with water to remove any dirt. 
• Do not touch the root of the tooth. Put the tooth into the socket if possible. If not, put the tooth in a container of milk instead.
• Call your dentist immediately. If the wound is particularly large or doesn't heal within 24 hours, go to an emergency room. If you are unable to get your tooth back in its socket, your dentist will suggest other care options for you.

Chipped/Broken Tooth

If you chip or break a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it and apply a cold compress to the outside of your face.

It's important to see a dentist as soon as possible after chipping or broken teeth, as your tooth may become infected without treatment. Schedule an emergency appointment by calling your local dentist's office right away.

Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth is one in which an infection has spread to the soft tissue or bone inside the gums. The infection is caused by bacteria buildup from plaque and tartar, which irritates the gum tissues and causes them to pull away from the tooth's root surface. This allows food particles to get stuck inside the gum pockets, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Eventually, this will cause the tissue in the gums to die, and the abscess will form. Symptoms include moderate to severe pain, a fever, swelling, redness of the gums, and drainage from the infected area. A dentist will generally prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection and avoid extraction. However, if the abscess isn't treated in a timely manner, it can cause further damage to the teeth and surrounding tissues that may require more extensive treatment.

Broken Crown/Bridge

When a tooth breaks or is knocked out, it is considered a dental emergency. Patients should visit the dentist as soon as possible. If the dentist is not immediately available, the patient should see an on-call dentist in practice. A broken crown can usually be reattached with a cement-like material called composite resin. The tooth itself will be repaired with a filling, cap, or other restoration to restore the structure.

Objects Caught in Teeth

If an object is stuck in your tooth, don't touch it with your fingers! Your hands are covered in bacteria that can cause infections in your mouth. Instead, use floss to gently remove it from between your teeth. If you can't get the object out with floss, see your dentist as soon as possible. He or she can help remove the object and prevent infection.

Please feel free to stop by our dental offices for a checkup or to learn more tips for maintaining good oral health. Book your slot by calling us at (281) 991-6530 or visiting us at 6429 Fairmont Pkwy Ste # 101, Pasadena, TX 77505.