5 Common Dental Emergencies That Require An Immediate Dental Visit

Dental emergencies can strike at any time, often causing severe pain and discomfort. Knowing which situations require an immediate dental visit can save your teeth and alleviate unnecessary suffering.

GSD-Common-Dental-emergencies-10.23.24-2

1. Severe Toothache

A severe toothache can be a sign of a serious dental issue, such as an infection or deep decay. When the pain becomes unbearable, it's crucial to see your Walnut Creek dentist immediately to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Ignoring a severe toothache can lead to more complicated problems, including abscesses and tooth loss.

In the meantime, you can try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water and taking over-the-counter pain relievers to manage the pain. However, these are temporary measures, and only a professional dental evaluation can provide a permanent solution.

2. Broken or Chipped Tooth

A broken or chipped tooth can occur due to various reasons such as biting down on something hard or experiencing trauma to the face. When this happens, it's important to see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage and restore the tooth's functionality.

In the interim, rinse your mouth with warm water and try to save any pieces of the tooth. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling, and avoid using the affected tooth until you can get professional dental care.

3. Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. If you act quickly, there's a good chance the tooth can be reimplanted. First, retrieve the tooth, holding it by the crown (the top part), and avoid touching the root. Rinse it gently with water if it's dirty, but don't scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments.

Try to place the tooth back in its socket if possible. If that's not feasible, keep it moist by placing it in a container of milk or a saline solution. Get to your Walnut Creek dentist immediately, ideally within 30 minutes, to increase the chances of successful reimplantation.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

Losing a filling or a dental crown can often leave your sensitive nerves and dental pulp exposed, which can cause radiating pain and lead to an infection. It's important to see a dentist as soon as possible to replace the restoration and protect the tooth.

Until you can get to the dentist, try to keep the area clean and avoid chewing on the affected side. You can use dental cement, available at most pharmacies, to temporarily cover the exposed area and protect it from further damage.

5. Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth is a serious infection that can cause severe pain, swelling, and even fever. It typically occurs due to untreated cavities, gum disease, or trauma to the tooth. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking immediate dental care is crucial to prevent the infection from spreading.

Common signs of an abscess include a persistent, throbbing toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, swollen gums, and a bad taste in your mouth. Your dentist will likely need to drain the abscess and may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. In some cases, a root canal or even tooth extraction may be necessary.

Having a dental emergency? Call our emergency line (925) 246-3187 or book an appointment online

Tags: oral health dental health toothache dental crown abscess infection dental emergency

Subscribe To Our Blog