Dental Emergencies and What to Do If You Have One

Dental emergencies can happen without warning, and they can be a frightening and painful experience. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a broken crown, or a severe toothache, dental emergencies require immediate attention from a qualified dental professional at Urgent Dental.  In this blog post, we’ll focus on the range of emergency dental services that are available beyond just treating toothaches. We’ll discuss the various types of dental emergencies that might require immediate attention, such as broken or chipped teeth, abscesses, and jaw injuries. We’ll also highlight the importance of seeking care from an emergency dental office like Urgent Dental.

Broken or Chipped Teeth

Broken or chipped teeth are a common dental emergency, and they can occur as a result of trauma to the mouth, biting down on something hard, or tooth decay. When a tooth is broken or chipped, it can cause pain, sensitivity, and discomfort, and it can also affect the appearance of your smile.  When a tooth is broken, the dentin on the inner portion of your tooth can be exposed.  Dentin houses the nerves of your teeth.  Exposing the dentin, and thus potentially exposing nerves, is the reason broken teeth can be painful.  

If you have a broken or chipped tooth, it’s important to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the break or chip, our dentist may be able to repair the tooth with a filling, crown, or bonding material. In more severe cases, the tooth may need to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant or bridge.  No matter the outcome, it is important to seek the professional help of a dentist at Urgent Dental to make sure you receive the appropriate care.

Abscesses

An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in the tooth or gum tissue, usually as a result of an infection. Abscesses can cause severe pain, swelling, and discomfort, and they can also lead to serious complications if left untreated.

If you have an abscess, it’s important to seek emergency dental care immediately. The dentist will likely drain the abscess and prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection, before treating the tooth if that is needed.  Treating the infection will help get you out of pain.  In some cases, the tooth may need Root Canal Therapy, otherwise called a root canal.  An abscess is an indicator of a diseased tooth.  The affected tooth may need the diseased root removed and replaced with gutta percha. It’s important to address abscesses promptly to avoid more serious complications, such as the spread of infection to other parts of the body like the heart.

Jaw Injuries

Jaw injuries occur as a result of trauma to the face, such as a fall,  sports injury, or car accident. They can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth. In some cases, jaw injuries can also lead to a misaligned bite or difficulty chewing.

If you have a jaw injury, it’s important to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible. The dentist will evaluate the injury and take x-rays to get a more detailed picture of your jaw and jaw joint. The images will be used to determine if there are any fractures or dislocations. Depending on the severity of the injury, our Urgent Dental dentist may recommend rest, ice, and pain medication, or more extensive treatment such as surgery or physical therapy.

Urgent Dental: Your Emergency Dental Office

At Urgent Dental, we understand the importance of prompt and effective care for dental emergencies. Our team of experienced dentists and staff are equipped to handle a wide range of dental emergencies, from broken teeth to abscesses to jaw injuries. We offer same-day appointments and walk-ins, and we strive to provide compassionate, patient-centered care to all of our patients.

In addition to emergency dental services, we also offer a range of general and cosmetic dental services, including filings, crowns, and dental implants. We accept most insurance plans, and we offer flexible financing options to help make dental care more affordable for our patients.

Dental emergencies can be a frightening and painful experience, but with the right care and attention, we can help you manage your pain and ensure you receive the proper dental care.