A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate treatment. Many people mistakenly believe that a dental emergency is a tooth that is completely knocked out. However, a dental emergency can also include situations like a chipped or broken tooth, a filling that has fallen out, or a tooth that has been pushed out of place.
When Should You See a Dental Emergency Dentist?
See your emergency dentist immediately, if you are in any of the following situations:
Toothache (severe and sudden onset)
A toothache can be a sign of an underlying infection. This infection may be the result of a cavity or an infection of the gum tissue. It may also be a sign of a more severe issue, such as an infection in the jawbone, known as an abscess.
Broken Tooth
Broken teeth can be caused by trauma, grinding your teeth, biting on hard foods, or cavities. Depending on the severity of the break, the tooth may be sensitive to temperature changes, air, or pressure. If the broken part of the tooth is sharp to the touch, it is likely that the nerve has also been affected, and you will experience pain. Your dentist may prescribe pain medications, antibiotics, or a root canal to treat the infection.
Knocked-out Tooth
If you knock out a tooth, rinse it off and place it back in the socket. Hold it in place by gently biting on a clean cloth or piece of gauze. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place it in a container of whole milk and bring it to your dentist as soon as possible.
Loose Tooth
When a tooth becomes loose, it’s usually because it’s been loosened by decay or trauma. While a loose tooth can be alarming, it’s important to seek treatment from your dentist as soon as possible.
A loose tooth can cause other teeth to become loose over time. It can also make it difficult to chew, and it’s usually uncomfortable.
Seek treatment as soon as possible. Your dentist will examine the tooth, take X-rays and, if necessary, perform a root canal.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth can cause pain, swelling, and redness. If you experience these symptoms, call your dentist for an emergency appointment. An abscess is a bacterial gum infection that causes pus and swelling in the gum.
However, if you’re unsure about whether the tooth or mouth injury you’ve experienced constitutes a dental emergency, call our emergency dentist.
How Can You Prevent Dental Emergencies?
Keeping your teeth clean and healthy is the best way to prevent dental emergencies. Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day. If you notice that your teeth are more sensitive than usual or that your gums are bleeding after you brush and floss, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.Arizona Dental Heights, situated in Mesa, AZ, is equipped with modern technologies and expert dentists who provide the best services to patients. Call (480) 525-6000 and schedule an appointment with the dentist Mesa, AZ to learn more about the dental services we offer.
