In the middle of work, on a date, at the beach on vacation – dental emergencies always seem to happen when you least expect them. While not every dental problem requires emergency care, some situations need prompt attention to relieve pain and prevent the problem from becoming more serious. Here are 4 common dental emergencies and the treatments a dentist may recommend.
1. Severe Toothache
A toothache can have many causes, including a deep cavity, cracked tooth, infection or damaged dental restoration. Persistent or severe pain should not be ignored, particularly if it is accompanied by swelling, fever or a bad taste in your mouth.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. A dentist may recommend a filling for tooth decay, a crown for a damaged tooth or a root canal if the tooth’s inner pulp is infected. If a tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary.
Over-the-counter pain medication may provide temporary relief, but it does not treat the source of the problem. Contact your dentist for an evaluation as soon as possible.
2. Broken or Chipped Tooth
A tooth can break or chip because of an accident, sports injury, biting something hard or extensive tooth decay. Even a small chip should be evaluated because a damaged tooth can be vulnerable to additional problems.
Treatment varies according to the extent of the damage. Minor chips may be repaired with dental bonding, while larger fractures may require a crown. If the damage reaches the pulp inside the tooth, root canal treatment followed by a restoration may be recommended.
If you find a broken piece of your tooth, save it and bring it to your dental appointment.
3. Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires immediate attention. The sooner you receive treatment, the better the chance the tooth may be successfully repositioned.
If possible, gently pick up the tooth by the crown rather than the root. Avoid scrubbing it. If it is dirty, gently rinse it with water. Try to keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or a tooth-preservation solution. If appropriate and safe, you may also carefully place it back into its socket without touching the root.
Seek emergency dental care immediately. A dentist may attempt to reinsert and stabilize the tooth. Additional treatment, such as a root canal, may be necessary depending on the injury and healing process.
4. Lost or Damaged Dental Restoration
Crowns, fillings, bridges and other dental restorations can occasionally become loose or fall out. Although the situation may not always cause immediate pain, the exposed tooth can be vulnerable to further damage and sensitivity.
Save the restoration and contact your dentist promptly. Depending on its condition, your dentist may be able to repair or reattach it. A damaged or poorly fitting restoration may need to be replaced.
Dental emergencies can become more complicated when treatment is delayed. Severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, significant swelling, facial trauma or a knocked-out permanent tooth should receive prompt attention. If swelling is affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, seek immediate medical attention.
About the Practice
Drs. Jed Zirker and Cory Warner at Zirker Family Dentistry in Ammon are here to relieve dental pain when you need it most. Same-day, after-hours, and weekend emergency appointments are available, along with dental sedation for nervous patients. Contact our office as soon as you can at (208) 528-7665 or visit our website.