Dental emergencies can strike at any time. In the event of a dental emergency, it is important to be properly prepared. For starters, it is important to note that any condition requiring immediate attention is considered a dental emergency. Some common examples of dental emergencies can include:
Toothache
Pain is often the most common symptom of a dental emergency. In most cases, tooth pain is caused by a cavity or other dental problem. However, pain can also be a sign of an abscess, which is a serious infection. If you are experiencing tooth pain, it is important to seek immediate dental care.
Chipped or Broken Teeth
A chipped or broken tooth may cause discomfort, pain, and swelling. If the break is large enough to expose the pulp of the tooth, you should seek treatment promptly because it can result in an infection. Chipped or broken teeth should be evaluated by Dr. Farahi to ensure that the pulp was not damaged. Then the chipped or broken tooth may be repaired with dental bonding or porcelain veneers.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth is knocked out, you will need to call our office immediately. In the meantime, it is important to locate the missing tooth and rinse it with water. You should always handle a tooth by the crown and never touch the roots. Once the tooth has been located and cleaned, you can either place the tooth in your mouth between the cheek and gums, or you can store it in a glass of milk or water until your appointment with Dr. Farahi. Depending on the extent of the damage, there are different treatments used for knocked out teeth.
Lost Filling or Crown
If a tooth’s filling is lost, you will need to have it replaced as soon as possible to prevent infection. If you have a tooth with a missing crown, contact our office today. If possible, try to locate the missing filling or crown and bring it to your appointment. In the meantime, you may be able to temporarily hold a restoration in place using chewing gum or denture adhesive.
Broken Orthodontics Appliance
If you have a broken orthodontics appliance, such as a wire or bracket, it is important to schedule an appointment with our office as soon as possible. If the broken pieces are not removed from your mouth, serious damage can occur and your treatment may be delayed. Although clear aligners do not contain brackets, a broken aligner can still compromise your treatment.
Abscess
An abscess occurs when bacteria enter the dental pulp and cause an infection. Abscesses are often very painful and can be accompanied by swelling, fever, and jaw stiffness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact our office immediately for treatment.
Bleeding and Pain After a Tooth Extraction
If you are experiencing bleeding and pain after a tooth extraction, it is likely that you have a dry socket. Dry sockets can occur when the blood clot that forms over the tooth extraction site is dislodged. This can cause pain and affect the healing process. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please contact our office for treatment. In the meantime, you will need to avoid hot foods/beverages and blood thinning medications that can make bleeding worse. You can also bite down on a tea bag to slow or stop the bleeding. Finally, clove oil can be used to relieve tooth pain due to a dry socket.
If you are experiencing any of these dental emergencies, please call Dr. Farahi immediately at Smile McLeanDentistry to schedule an emergency dental appointment.