A dental emergency is any situation in which a patient has an immediate need for dental care. Dental emergencies can be caused by any number of factors, including an accident, decay, or infection. Accidents, such as sports injuries or car accidents, can fracture teeth or even knock out teeth. Regardless of the situation, patients should call our office as soon as they can so that we may help.
A dental emergency includes:
Broken Tooth
A tooth fracture is when you break or chip a tooth while eating or chewing. Tooth fractures are the most common dental emergencies, and they can happen for any number of reasons.
The most common cause of a dental emergency is a broken tooth. Fractures can happen when you accidentally bite into something hard, like ice or hard candy. The impact can break your tooth, and you’ll need to have it repaired by your dentist right away.
Toothache
Toothaches can be extremely uncomfortable. In fact, toothaches are one of the most common reasons people seek emergency dental care.
Knocked-out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. Until you can get to the dentist, rinse the tooth off with warm water to remove any dirt or debris, but do not scrub the tooth. If you can find the tooth, pick it up by the crown (the part that is usually exposed in the mouth) and avoid touching the root. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse the tooth off and attempt to place it back in its socket. Gently bite down to keep the tooth in place. You can also place the tooth in a container of warm milk. The dentist will be able to assess the damage and determine the best treatment.
Lost Crown or Filling
A lost filling or crown can be painful. Fortunately, replacing a filling or crown is usually quick and painless. If you have a lost filling or crown, you should call your dentist right away to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with salt water, use dental cement or a piece of sugarless gum to fill the hole, and avoid chewing on the affected side.
Object Caught Between Teeth
Biting down on something hard or chewy can cause a dental emergency, such as a broken or fractured tooth, a dislodged tooth, or a cracked or chipped tooth. If the object cannot be dislodged with gentle pressure, you should call your emergency dentist right away.
Swelling, Infection, or Pain Caused by an Abscessed Tooth
When an infection develops inside a tooth, it can cause an abscess to develop. The infection may be from tooth decay, gum disease, or form a cracked tooth. An abscessed tooth is extremely painful and should be treated right away.
An abscessed tooth is usually characterized by severe swelling, pain, and redness. It may be difficult to open the mouth, and the patient may have a fever. A dentist can diagnose an abscessed tooth by visually inspecting the mouth.
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are a common dental emergency. Gums should never bleed during normal brushing or flossing. This is a sign that there is an underlying problem. If gums are bleeding, patients should contact their dentist immediately.
To find out more about the dental services offered at Madison Park Dental, call (208) 356-5601 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 345 N. 2ND E., Suite 2, Rexburg, ID 83440.