Emergency Dental

What Situations Are Considered a Dental Emergency?

Any type of situation where a person would need to seek out immediate or prompt attention from a dentist is considered an emergency. Some of the most frequently encountered dental emergencies are:

• Lost teeth
• Abscesses
• Toothaches
• Swollen gums
• Pain in and around the jaw
• Chips, cracks, or broken teeth
• Lost or broken implants, dentures, or bridges
• Lost or loose fillings, onlays, crowns, or veneers

What Should I do if a Tooth is Knocked Out?

One of the most severe dental emergencies is having a tooth or teeth knocked out or break. If a person has a tooth fall out or is knocked out because of an accident or trauma, he or she must go to the dentist right away in order to improve the chances of being able to reattach the tooth. Without touching the tooth root, attempt to place the tooth back in the socket. It is important to avoid touching the root because you could damage it, making it impossible to save. If you cannot place the tooth in the original socket, attempt to keep it between your cheek and gums. If that is also impossible, you can place the tooth in a glass of milk. Time is of the essence however, so be sure to proceed to the dentist’s office immediately.

How Can I Avoid a Dental Emergency?

Healthy teeth are far less likely to experience a dental emergency. To maintain healthy teeth and gums, patients should always take care of them by visiting the dentist’s office for routine annual exams as well as sustaining regular brushing and flossing habits. When engaged in sports or similar activities where the teeth or mouth could be at risk of trauma or force, be sure to wear a protective mouth-guard that is molded specifically for your mouth. Lastly, patients should avoid using their teeth to remove lids and also avoid chewing on ice or hard candies.