What Are the Different Types of Dental Emergencies?

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and it is important that you know what to do in such situations. Listed below are some of the most common dental emergencies.

Toothache

An aching tooth can be caused by a number of issues, including tooth decay or gum disease. While toothaches do not require emergency treatment, they do require treatment as soon as possible.

If you have a toothache, or if it hurts to chew, rinse your mouth with warm water and floss to remove any food debris that may be causing pain. Apply a cold compress to your cheek on the same side as your sore tooth. Do not apply heat directly to your tooth, as this can burn the gum tissue. If the pain persists for more than a day, contact your emergency dentist for an exam and treatment plan to relieve your pain.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

If you break a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Use gauze to apply pressure to the bleeding site and avoid putting too much pressure on the tooth. This will keep your jaw from moving and your nerves from getting pinched. Until you visit your dentist, avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth. For a broken tooth that doesn’t hurt but you notice cosmetic damage like a chip or crack, composite bonding may be an option to repair the damage. A resin material is applied to the area of the tooth with the imperfection and then hardened with a curing light. The resin material is the same color as your tooth, so you won’t be able to tell where the repair was made once it’s complete.

Abscessed Tooth

If you have an abscess, then you need to see a dentist right away for treatment. If the abscess ruptures on its own, then it could cause severe pain and swelling in your mouth or neck. It may also cause you to have difficulty swallowing or breathing. This is considered a medical emergency, and you should seek emergency dental care immediately.

Loose or Lost Filling

A lost filling can leave your tooth vulnerable to decay and damage. Fortunately, replacing a lost filling is a relatively simple procedure. Your dentist will first remove the old filling material and clean the area to prepare it for the new filling. Once this is done, he will place the new filling and ensure that it fits properly before polishing the tooth to complete the restoration.

Visit Kevin D Fong, DDS, at 944 W Winton Ave, Hayward, CA 94545, to learn more about oral care. You can also call (510) 783-1572 for an appointment.