Dental emergencies can be frightening, but knowing what qualifies as an emergency and what to do helps reduce your stress. You may think you should go to an emergency room, but if an injury involves your teeth in any way, you need to see an emergency dentist. Here are the most common types of emergencies.
Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
You can chip, crack, or break your teeth while eating, chewing on things that aren’t food (like pens), falling, or experiencing another type of injury. Depending on how severe the issue is, you may not need to come in immediately. As soon as you break your tooth or notice symptoms like increased sensitivity or pain, please give us a call. We may recommend a same-day appointment or one within the next few days.
Severe tooth pain
Cavities often don’t cause symptoms early on, but as they get larger, you’ll experience a toothache. If the pain is severe, it could mean your cavity has led to a tooth infection. Dental trauma, like getting hit hard in the face, can also cause infections. If you don’t get treatment, tooth infections can spread to other parts of your body and lead to tooth loss. It’s essential to get emergency care quickly. A root canal, which removes the infection while saving the tooth, is usually the best treatment.
Knocked-out teeth
Losing a tooth is probably the scariest dental emergency you could experience. If possible, find the knocked-out tooth and pick it up by the crown. Rinse off any dirt or debris and try to place the tooth back in its socket. Bite down on a piece of gauze to hold it. You may be in a situation where you can’t put it back, so try putting it in a cup of milk or your own saliva. The key is not letting the tooth dry out. Call us right away and bring the tooth with you to the office.
Emergency dental care at Springs Village Dentistry in Holly Springs, NC
Breaks, toothache, and knocked-out teeth are all considered emergencies. If there’s something wrong with your mouth, odds are we’re the ones to call. Have questions or worry you’re experiencing an emergency? Please contact us today!