No matter how diligently you care for your teeth, dental emergencies can still occur unexpectedly. In such moments, it’s easy to panic. Fortunately, your dentist has the knowledge and expertise to navigate these challenging situations. Here are three of the most common dental emergencies we see and their typical solutions to help you stay calm and informed.
Broken Tooth
Whether you’ve bitten into something hard or cracked your tooth while grinding your teeth, finding out you have a broken tooth can be alarming. Because the structure of your tooth is compromised, you need to contact your dentist immediately. Otherwise, further damage can occur if it’s not treated promptly.
To protect your mouth from the jagged edge, you can place a small piece of wax over the broken tooth if available. Your dentist will examine the damage and may recommend treatments like filling the chipped area with a biocompatible composite resin.
Physical Trauma
While playing sports, there’s a chance you may sustain a strong blow to the face and knock out a tooth. Unless the injury is life-threatening, reach out to your dentist before heading to the emergency room. Dentists have specialized training and tools to address dental injuries effectively. Depending on your situation, they can restore or replace your tooth using dental crowns, implants, or other appropriate treatments.
To manage bleeding and discomfort before your appointment, gently bite on a clean cloth. Over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen can help, and applying an ice pack to the affected area can provide numbing relief.
Intense Toothache
A sharp pain when biting down or a persistent, dull ache often signals an underlying issue such as a cavity or an abscess. These problems won’t resolve on their own and will worsen over time, which is why it’s crucial to see your dentist right away. They will diagnose the cause of the pain and discuss potential treatments, such as a root canal, to alleviate your discomfort and address the problem.
In any dental emergency, if you’re unsure whether it warrants immediate attention, it’s better to be safe than sorry and call your dentist. They can guide you on the necessary steps over the phone or schedule you for an appointment as soon as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Kessy Lee is passionate about delivering personalized and high-quality dentistry to patients in Cherry Hill and surrounding communities. From routine dental checkups to smile-saving emergency dentistry, she offers comprehensive services to ensure your oral health remains in tip-top shape. If you need to receive prompt emergency care, visit our website or call (856) 795-9007.
