3 Most Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can be scary and you may be unsure of what to do. This article discusses some of the most common dental emergencies. If you are in serious pain, call your dentist or emergency provider as soon as you can.

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation that causes pain, trauma, or injury to your teeth or mouth. Dental emergencies can be caused by a fall, sports injury, or something as simple as biting down on hard candy. If you feel discomfort when chewing or swallowing food, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately.

Some of the following steps may help to relieve your discomfort until you can get to the dentist:

1) Ice: The best way to relieve pain from a toothache is with ice. Place an ice pack on your cheek or neck (wherever feels most comfortable) until the pain subsides. You can also try frozen vegetables like peas or corn.

2) Ibuprofen: Another good way to reduce inflammation and swelling is ibuprofen (Advil), especially if there’s swelling from trauma rather than decay or infection. Make sure to check the dosage instructions and any medication complications on the bottle before taking any medication.

Why is it important to get treatment as soon as possible?

Dental emergencies happen unexpectedly and are not always easy to deal with on your own. It’s crucial to get in touch with a professional as soon as possible so they can assess the damage and take steps to prevent further complications.

Telehealth is another way to get immediate medical attention if you cannot see a dental professional during evening hours, on a weekend, or on a holiday. But if it’s a severe emergency, calling your dentist or going to an emergency room is recommended.

This article will cover three of the most common dental emergencies.

1. Toothaches

A toothache is a routine dental emergency caused by several things.

A toothache can be painful and scary, but it’s important to remember that the pain is likely caused by a minor problem that can be fixed by a dentist.

The most common causes of toothaches include cavities, gingivitis, gum disease, or a cracked tooth. If you’re experiencing sharp pain in one tooth or a set of teeth, it’s absolutely essential to see a dentist as soon as possible.

2. Broken or chipped teeth

If you’ve accidentally broken or chipped a tooth, seek immediate dental care. If the tooth is broken, it can be fixed. If you’re experiencing pain and discomfort from a damaged tooth due to trauma or another cause and don’t seek treatment immediately, the damage could worsen.

The longer you wait to see a dentist after an injury to your teeth, the more likely you are to suffer from the following:

-Severe pain and sensitivity, which can be debilitating

-Swollen gums

-Infection in the soft tissues of your mouth (pericoronitis)

-Abscesses that can be painful and result in loss of teeth

3. Lost fillings and crowns, broken braces, or wires from braces

• Lost fillings or crowns: Sometimes, a filling comes out and needs to be replaced, or the crown you’ve had for years will break. 
• Broken braces or wires from braces: If you have any loose brackets, get in touch with us immediately so we can repair them immediately. If you have loose wires that have come off the brackets, call us as soon as you can.

Quick action is best. Call your dentist.

• The first thing you should do is call your dentist. They will advise you on how to handle the pain, and they’ll know what to do about your situation.
• If it’s too late for them to see you this evening, ask if they have any recommendations for an urgent care center in the area.
• Take pain medication (as recommended by your dentist)
• Rinse with cold water if possible

Takeaway:

Dental emergencies are painful and can happen, even for people who practice good oral hygiene. Remember that if you have a broken or chipped tooth, be sure to contact a dentist as soon as possible since waiting too long can result in pain, swelling, and infection. Time is of the essence.

If you have the misfortune of a dental emergency, you can rest assured that you are in good hands with our experienced and trustworthy practice. We want you to feel comfortable and safe throughout the whole process.

Contact us today if you’re looking for an emergency dentist in Sugar Land.