Dental emergencies are an unfortunate situation that can strike at any time. They can come in many different forms, but it’s crucial you get them treated the right way. However, with so many scenarios possible, you may be left at a loss on what you should do. Keep reading to learn four of the most common dental emergencies and how your dentist will treat each one to help you feel confident handling them.
1.) Fractured Tooth
Enamel is the strongest substance your body makes, but it can still crack or chip if you aren’t careful. Whether from a facial blow or a hard object you bit into, the damage can be fixed with a filling or a crown. The former is often recommended for minor cases, while the latter is for more major ones. Some situations may be so severe that an extraction is needed, but your dentist will exhaust all other possibilities beforehand.
2.) Fallen Restoration
Restorations and some cosmetic work, like veneers, can fall out if they are old or from trauma. If this happens, it might not be an urgent scenario, but your provider will want to see you as soon as possible. That’s because your tooth may be at a higher risk of an infection or further damage. Thankfully, they usually can be replaced with the respective solution the sooner you schedule a visit.
3.) Persistent Toothache
Tooth pain can be frustrating to deal with, but there are times when it can be constant and intense. Your dentist will first take steps to get you relief and then find the culprit for your discomfort. An examination will locate the issue, and the best option for you depends on what’s found. For instance, if it’s an infection, then a root canal gets rid of the problem.
4.) Knocked-Out Tooth
If you are hit in the mouth hard enough, then a tooth can actually be knocked out of place. You may be left stunned at the situation at hand, but you need to act immediately. You need to visit your provider within an hour to have the best odds of saving it. They will place the tooth back into its socket and use a splint to hold it in place. If salvaging it isn’t an option, then you may be told about replacement you can consider.
In the end, these are just a few dental emergencies. There are many more out there, so calling your dentist if you are experiencing one can help you feel more confident. That way, you get the advice you need to get to a problem-free smile once again.
About the Author
Dr. Ramona Rivera earned her dental degree from the NYU School of Dentistry. She is dedicated to helping the Fair Oaks community get the best grins they deserve, especially during dental emergencies. By offering same-day urgent visits, you can get relief as soon as possible. If you want to do your best to prevent these situations, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Rivera’s office at (916) 967-2217.