Most Common Types of Dental Emergencies

If you have a dental injury or severe toothache, make an appointment for emergency dental care as soon as possible. Timely action can save your teeth and help prevent more serious dental health issues in the future. In this article, we discuss the most common types of dental emergencies and what to do if they occur.

Any dental issue or trauma that requires immediate attention is considered a dental emergency. The emergency can be caused by an acute infection in the mouth or a dental trauma—an injury in the mouth. The most common types of dental emergencies include:

Loose or Mobile Teeth

Severe gum disease or tooth decay can lead to mobility of the teeth when they are not stable and secure in their sockets. If you experience mobility of one or several teeth and the cause of the issue is not treated promptly, tooth loss might occur. In addition, severe oral infections can lead to life-threatening sepsis, heart and lung issues, jawbone deterioration, and other general health-related consequences.

Severe Toothache

A severe toothache can indicate that decay and infection have begun to damage the nerves of the tooth. If such pain lasts for more than 1 to 2 days, it is a sign of a dental emergency, especially if it is accompanied by fever and swelling in the face or jaw. In some cases, it is still possible to save the nerves of the tooth if you act promptly.

While you are waiting for the appointment, use warm salt water rinses to help remove the bacteria from your mouth. If your face or jaw is swollen, you can apply a cold compress for 20 minutes at a time with 30-minute breaks. Common over-the-counter painkillers, such as Ibuprofen, will help temporarily relieve the pain.

Oral Injury and Knocked Out or Dislodged Tooth

Any kind of oral injury, including a knocked-out or partially dislodged tooth, is a dental emergency. Remember that a forceful impact on the face can damage the jawbone and nerves of the teeth, but the damage might not be apparent right away. That is why it is essential to visit your dentist for a comprehensive checkup.

A situation where your tooth becomes dislodged or completely knocked out of its socket always requires immediate medical attention. If you get to the dental office within the first 20 to 60 minutes after the accident, it might be possible to place the knocked-out tooth back into its socket. Keep your tooth in a clean container with milk or saliva on the way to the dental office. Do not use water to clean or store the tooth. You can also use a cold compress and over-the-counter painkillers to relieve the pain.

A Cracked Tooth

Dental bonding can restore a cracked tooth. If a piece of the tooth breaks off, save it and bring it to the dental office, as it may be possible to reattach it via dental bonding or other restoration methods. If there is bleeding, rinse your mouth with warm water or a saltwater solution and apply clean gauze to the area until the bleeding stops.

A Broken Dental Restoration

When a dental restoration breaks, it makes the teeth and the surrounding tissues vulnerable to bacteria and infection. If your dental crown or bridge has fallen out, bring it to the dental office, and your dentist might be able to put the restoration back in place.

Dental Abscess

An abscess is a pocket of infection that typically occurs at the root of the tooth or between the tooth and the gum. The infection requires immediate treatment because it can damage the gums and the teeth next to it, cause swelling in the face, and spread to the other parts of the body. While you wait for the appointment, rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to prevent bacterial growth.

Bleeding Gums

Mild bleeding of the gums can occur when flossing from time to time. However, if the bleeding does not stop and the gums appear red and swollen, it is a cause for an emergency appointment. These symptoms can indicate severe gum infection, which has the potential to jeopardize your teeth and overall health.

Make an Appointment Today

In cases of dental emergencies, do not hesitate to call our emergency dentist in Norco and sign up for an appointment. We provide same-day emergency services and will do our best to preserve your oral health. Our specialists look forward to welcoming you to Absolute Family Dentistry.