Dental Emergencies
WHAT IS A DENTAL EMERGENCY?
A dental emergency is pain and/or swelling associated with a tooth, usually resulting from severe decay, infection or abscess. A dental emergency can also occur when a cracked or broken tooth has nerve exposure, or when there is traumatic injury to the teeth, mouth or jaw.
WHY DO YOU NEED TREATMENT FOR A DENTAL EMERGENCY?
Many dental emergencies happen because infection is present in the mouth. It is important to treat the infection as soon as possible, so it does not worsen or spread to other areas of the body. If a tooth has severe decay or is broken, it is also important to seek treatment as soon as possible in order to try to save as much tooth structure as possible to try to save the tooth. If the emergency is a result of traumatic injury to the teeth, mouth or jaw, it is important to stabilize the teeth as soon as possible.
WHAT ARE SOME Examples of a dental emergency?
Some of the more common dental emergencies include:
- Severe toothache and pain
- Abscessing and infections
- Broken or cracked teeth – causing the nerve of the tooth to be exposed
- Traumatic injury to the teeth, mouth or jaw
- An avulsed tooth – having a tooth knocked out
WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED WHILE UNDERGOING DENTAL EMERGENCY TREATMENT?
After gathering some information from you about your symptoms and the history of the problem you're experiencing, we will take any necessary x-rays. Then, your doctor will perform a visual exam, use any x-rays to make a diagnosis and work with you to determine a treatment plan. If possible, we may begin treatment right away. However, in most cases, you will need to be scheduled back or referred to a specialist. If your doctor determines there is active infection present at the time of your appointment, you may be prescribed an antibiotic.
If you think you might have an emergency and want to come in to see someone, call our office today and our helpful staff members can further assist you.