Common Dental Emergencies

Unexplainable Toothache

Toothaches are not just a painful nuisance or something you should take lightly. They are your body’s way of telling you that something is not right in your mouth. When you experience sudden and unexplainable tooth pain, find a qualified emergency dentist to help diagnose and treat the issue.

Until you can see your dentist, try:

• Apply a cold compress
• Rinse your mouth with saltwater
• Use over-the-counter pain medication to help alleviate the discomfort

Swollen or Bleeding Gums

Although occasional gum irritation is not a dental emergency, gums that won’t stop bleeding, especially if accompanied by pain and swelling, can indicate an underlying dental or health issue.

It is not normal to experience bleeding gums without any obvious cause. See your dentist right away if you’re experiencing these symptoms.

Swollen Jaw or Mouth

It’s time for an emergency dentist visit for immediate treatment if your mouth or jaw suddenly becomes swollen for no apparent reason. You may have an infection, irritation to your lymph nodes, or some other factor that should be treated with professional dental care right away.

Exposed Nerves

Exposed nerves are an excruciating experience that will only get worse if you wait to see your dentist. To prevent infections, further nerve damage, or more extensive emergency dental treatments, seek immediate dental assistance as soon as possible.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Having a tooth suddenly knocked out of your mouth from a heavy impact can be quite a shock! However, it’s time to take action. According to the American Association of Endodontists², it’s possible your dentist will be able to reinsert and preserve your tooth by taking quick action.

Before you see your dentist, you should:

1. Carefully pick up the tooth by the top, taking care not to touch the root
2. Rinse it without scrubbing
3. If possible, reinsert the tooth in the socket
4. If you can’t reinsert it, place the tooth in a container of milk or water
5. Get to the dentist quickly to increase the chances of saving your tooth

Missing Filling

Missing a filling is another potential dental emergency because your tooth can easily break or chip without that reinforcement. It may even expose the tooth’s nerves, which can lead to a number of other dental issues that require immediate treatment. Call your dentist right away.

Broken Crown

When a dental crown breaks or falls off completely, it leaves your tooth exposed and vulnerable to infection and damage. By scheduling an emergency dental visit to replace the crown, you may avoid needing a root canal, extraction, or other dental procedure.

Abscessed Tooth

A dental abscess is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition in which a pocket of pus in the tooth has led to an infection. A tooth abscess may cause:

• Fever
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Persistent toothache
• Tender lymph nodes in your neck
• Swelling in the face
• A pimple-like bump on your gums near the infected tooth

This condition is an emergency as the infection can spread into your jaw, surrounding tissue, and other areas of the body.

Food/Object Lodged Between Teeth

When a piece of food or another object becomes lodged between your teeth and no amount of brushing or flossing will help, you should see your dentist right away. Without a professional to remove the object, it may cause your teeth to shift, gum irritation, gum disease, tooth decay, or even an infection.

At Smiles For Health we dentistry options for all ages as well as other cosmetic dentistry services so you can smile with confidence. Call today to schedule your appointment!