Dental emergencies can be traumatic and overwhelming. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to seek help. Emergency dentistry is an area of dentistry that deals with immediately relieving dental pain and treating dental emergencies. A dental emergency can be defined as an acute injury to the teeth or gums that requires immediate treatment to prevent the problem from worsening. Common examples of dental emergencies include a chipped, cracked, or infected tooth, a broken crown, or a toothache.
When Should I See an Emergency Dentist?
Emergency dentistry procedures are required when a tooth is damaged, lost, or infected or when the patient is experiencing pain, discomfort, or bleeding.
Not all dental issues causing pain or discomfort are considered emergencies. However, it’s best to contact an emergency dentist if you are unsure.
If you are suffering from any of these problems, contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. While some dental problems may seem minor, they can cause pain and discomfort and make it difficult to eat and speak properly. It is best to get these problems taken care of before they become worse.
If you suffer an injury to your jaw during an accident, you should contact your dentist or an oral surgeon immediately to determine the extent of the injury and the course of treatment. The jaw can be extremely delicate, and it is important to seek medical attention for any injuries that involve the jaws.
If a piece of your tooth breaks off, store it in a small container of milk or water until you are able to discuss treatment options with your dentist. If you do not see a dentist immediately, you may reduce the risk of further tooth loss by storing the tooth carefully until you can be seen by a professional.
A chipped or broken crown or a filling can expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth and cause discomfort and pain. It is important to make an appointment for repair as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring. If a crown becomes loose or falls out, it is best to call your dental office or contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Dental Emergency?
When you have a dental emergency, it can be frightening. However, it’s important to keep calm and know how to recognize an emergency so that you can take the necessary steps to ensure your oral health is not compromised.
If you have a dental emergency, it’s best to contact an emergency dentist and address the issue right away.
Common signs and symptoms of dental emergencies include:
- Severe toothache
- A severe infection or swelling
- Lost restoration or filling
- Swelling, tenderness, or bleeding in the gums
- Loose or knocked-out tooth
- Object stuck in teeth
- Broken jaw
- Sensitivity to heat, cold, or air
- Severe discomfort
- Persistent mouth pain
What Dental Emergencies Require Immediate Care?
At Hartman Dentistry, we do everything in our power to see emergencies on the same day. The most common dental emergencies we treat are:
- Broken or knocked-out tooth
- Lost filling, crown, or bridge
- Abscessed tooth
- Broken or cracked tooth or restoration (filling, crown, or bridge)
- Serious toothache
- A broken jaw (usually after a fight or accident)
- Broken or fractured jaw
- Broken, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Facial or oral trauma
If you are experiencing any of the issues above, please call our office immediately.
What Happens After I Get the Treatment I Need?
After the procedure, you should schedule a follow-up visit. During this follow-up visit, the dentist will examine the tooth, assess the progress, and determine if your treatment needs to be adjusted.
How Can You Prevent ADental Emergency?
The best way to avoid a dental emergency is through prevention. Make sure to practice good oral health habits, attend regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist, and follow the recommendations given to you by your dentist. Prevention is the best medicine!
Cavities can be prevented through proper oral hygiene with brushing and flossing. A healthy diet that is low in sugar can also help prevent cavities. Regular visits to the dentist can help spot problems early on before they become painful problems.
If you find yourself with a dental emergency, please contact your dental office as soon as possible. Some common dental emergencies include dental abscesses, broken teeth, lost fillings or crowns, knocked-out teeth, toothaches, and cracked teeth. An untreated dental emergency can lead to more pain and may cost more to treat. If you are currently experiencing a dental emergency, please call our office immediately.
Dental emergencies need to be treated as soon as possible to protect your oral health. For emergency dental care, visit Hartman Dentistry at 3091 East 98th Street, Suite 220, Indianapolis, IN 46280, or call (317) 581-0215.
