When you experience trauma to your gums or teeth, it is vital to see a dentist as soon as possible. Like medical emergencies, dental emergencies also require immediate attention to halt further damage.
Here are the 5 most common types of dental emergencies.
1. Broken Teeth
Chipped and fractured teeth both count as dental emergencies. Even a minor chip or fracture can weaken your tooth and make it prone to cracking further.
Dental bonding, filling, veneers, and crowns are various procedures that can repair damaged teeth.
2. Knocked-Out Teeth
If your tooth is knocked out but is still in one piece, pick it up by the crown without touching the root. Wash off any debris and replace it in your mouth.
Then, you need to immediately get to a dentist. If you take action quickly enough, your tooth can be saved. Even if the tooth is not salvageable, you will need treatment to prevent infection and plan for a replacement.
3. Abscesses
If you have a painful bump on your gums, it counts as a dental emergency. A painful, raised area is a sign that you have a gum abscess. An abscess is an infected, pus-filled area that may spread if untreated.
A dental abscess is similar to a gum abscess, except it is in your tooth instead. Pain, swelling, sensitivity, and a foul taste in your mouth can be signs of a tooth infection.
Both gum and tooth abscesses require treatment as soon as possible.
4. Toothaches
A toothache is never something to take lightly. If you have a cold or virus, inflamed sinuses can cause aching teeth.
However, if you are otherwise in good health and experiencing a toothache, you should call your dentist. An aching tooth is a symptom of infection, decay, a damaged filling, or a fracture.
Pain indicates that the issue is affecting your dentin, which is the inner layer of your tooth.
5. Lost Crowns or Fillings
If you have a crown or filling that has fallen out, get in touch with your dentist right away. Since crowns and fillings protect vulnerable teeth from further decay or breakage, you do not want to leave your teeth unprotected for long.
If you cannot visit the dentist immediately after losing a filling or a crown, avoid eating hard foods until your appointment.
Solutions to Dental Emergencies
If you have encountered any of the above dental emergencies, you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
If you cannot visit your dentist immediately, call the office to ask what actions you should take in the meantime before your in-person appointment.
Are you looking for cosmetic or restorative dentistry in Bismarck? Schedule your appointment with us at Brend Dental today.
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