Types of Dental Emergencies

Toothache

A toothache can be a sign of infection or decay. As the decay worsens, the tooth can become very sensitive. This sensitivity can make it difficult to eat or sleep.

A toothache can also be a sign of an abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth is an infection that has spread to the pulp, which is the center of the tooth. This infection can cause pain, swelling and fever.

If your toothache is severe, call your dentist.

Broken tooth

A broken tooth is a serious dental emergency. If the tooth is intact, place an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the area to minimize the swelling. If the tooth is broken, rinse it gently with warm water. Apply gauze to stop any bleeding. See your dentist as soon as possible.

Lost filling

If you’ve lost a filling and are experiencing pain, schedule an emergency dental appointment right away. The sooner we can repair the damaged tooth, the better. A lost filling leaves your tooth vulnerable to decay or further breakage, which can lead to the need for a root canal.

Knocked out tooth

A knocked-out tooth is an immediate dental emergency. If your tooth is knocked out, it’s important to find the tooth, pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), and rinse off the tooth root in water. Don’t scrub it or use soap, and don’t dry it off. It’s best to simply place the tooth back in the socket, if possible, to hold in place and soak in saliva.

Severe tooth pain

If you experience severe tooth pain, you should contact your dentist immediately. Some types of tooth pain require emergency medical intervention. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or pain medication to help with pain, but more severe situations may require extraction or oral surgery.

Abscessed tooth

If you have a severe toothache and think you might have an abscess, schedule an emergency dentist appointment. An abscessed tooth is a serious dental emergency that needs to be treated by an endodontist or dentist as soon as possible. The abscess can cause a significant amount of pain, so it is important to seek treatment immediately.

Jaw pain

Jaw pain is often due to inflammation in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the lower jaw to the skull. TMJ disorders are the second most common reason why people go to a dentist. Common symptoms include pain, tenderness, or swelling near the jaw, which may make it difficult to open your mouth.

Other possible causes of jaw pain include sinus congestion, gum disease, or a toothache.

If you suspect your jaw pain is related to a TMJ disorder, it’s important to see your dentist right away. Your dentist will perform a physical exam, take X-rays, and possibly take impressions of your teeth. He or she may also use a tool called a bite splint to reposition your jaw.

Loose tooth

If your tooth is knocked out of the socket, it’s important to see your dentist as quickly as possible. Ideally, your dentist will be able to reimplant the tooth. In some cases, the tooth will need to be splinted until you’re able to see your dentist.

If you’re unable to see your dentist right away, you can apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek. This will help reduce any swelling and pain.

Lost crown or bridge

If you’ve lost a tooth or several teeth, it’s important to replace the missing tooth or teeth. While dentures or partial dentures are available, a better option is to invest in a dental bridge. A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth or teeth that fill the space with a dental crown on each end. The crowns are cemented onto teeth and fill the empty spaces left behind.

A dental emergency can happen at any time of day or night. That’s why it’s important to know what types of dental emergencies warrant a trip to your dentist. If any of the following situations occur, contact your dentist or endodontist as soon as possible.If you or a loved one experiences the following dental emergencies, contact your dentist or endodontist as soon as possible.