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What are five common dental emergencies?


April 28th, 2023

Dental emergencies can be frightening, painful, and disruptive. It’s important to know what qualifies as a dental emergency and how to respond when one occurs. This blog post will discuss the five most common dental emergencies and how you should handle them.

Chipped tooth

A chipped tooth is one of the most common dental emergencies. It can be caused by various things, including biting down too hard on something, facial trauma, or decay. Symptoms of a chipped tooth include pain, discomfort, and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.

If you have a chipped tooth, seeing your dentist as soon as possible is important. They may be able to repair it with a filling or a crown. Sometimes, the dentist may need to extract and replace the tooth with an implant.

 If the chip is small enough, the dentist may be able to smooth it out with a filling or bonding.

Cracked tooth

A cracked tooth is a common dental emergency that can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty chewing. The crack can be in the enamel of the tooth, or it can penetrate deeper into the underlying structures of the tooth. A cracked tooth can also be caused by biting down on something hard or grinding your teeth.

If you have a cracked tooth, Your dentist may need to x-ray your mouth to better understand the extent of the damage’s extent. Treatment options will depend on the severity and type of crack.

A filling may sometimes be needed to repair the crack, while more severe cracks may require a root canal or crown.

Knocked-out tooth

If you experience a tooth being knocked out, acting quickly to save the tooth is important. Time is of the essence, as the tooth has the best chance of survival if it is re-implanted within 30 minutes of the accident.

Immediately rinse off the tooth and gently place it back into the socket, ensuring it is facing correctly. If the tooth cannot be placed back into the socket, keep it moist in milk or saliva until you can get to your dentist.

To reduce the likelihood of a knocked-out tooth, it’s important to take extra care to protect your teeth from harm.

Wear a mouthguard during contact sports, don’t chew hard objects like ice cubes, and brush twice daily and floss once daily for optimal dental hygiene.

Lost crown

A lost crown is a dental emergency that can occur if the crown falls off of your tooth. A crown is a custom-made restoration that covers a damaged tooth and is held in place by dental cement or adhesive. If the crown falls off, it is important to contact your dentist immediately.

The dentist may be able to put the crown back on the same day, or they may need to take an impression of the tooth to create a new one. In some cases, the crown may need to be re-cemented using dental cement, while in other cases, the crown may need to be replaced entirely.

Swollen jaw

A swollen jaw is a dental emergency that should not be ignored. An infection, abscess, or trauma can cause it. Symptoms include severe pain, redness, difficulty opening the mouth, and swelling of the jaw, face, and neck. In more severe cases, you may experience fever and chills.

If you experience a swollen jaw, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Your dentist will likely need to take X-rays to determine the underlying cause.

Depending on the severity, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or perform a root canal to remove the infection. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the issue.

Final Thoughts

At RiteSmile Dental, we believe that knowledge is power when it comes to staying healthy.Our experienced team will be happy to provide a comprehensive examination and recommend any treatments necessary to maintain a healthy mouth and teeth. For more information or to book an appointment with your dentist, don’t hesitate to contact us at RiteSmile Dental today!

Contact RiteSmile Dental in Sugar Land today!


2225 Williams Trace Blvd Ste 105, Sugar Land, TX 77478

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