Most Common Dental Emergencies

Emergency dentistry is a type of dentistry that deals with treating dental emergencies. If you have a dental emergency, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Leaving a dental emergency untreated can result in much more severe complications. Some of the benefits of visiting an emergency dentist include:

Minimal wait time: The emergency dental office understands that patients don’t typically schedule appointments after they’ve had a dental emergency. As a result, when you call, you can expect to be seen right away.

Fast, effective treatment: The emergency dental team will be able to diagnose your emergency quickly and begin treating it, helping you get relief as quickly as possible.

Extensive experience: The emergency dental team will be able to provide you with an accurate diagnosis as well as an effective treatment.

Types of Dental Emergencies

There are several types of dental emergencies. Some include:

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is essentially a bacterial infection that affects the pulp of the tooth. If the infection isn’t treated, it will spread to the root, through an opening in the tooth, and into the gums. Eventually, it can cause the tooth to fall out.

Abscesses usually develop as a result of tooth decay, gum disease, or injury to the tooth.

Dental Fracture

A dental fracture is breaking or chipping a tooth. This often occurs when chewing on something hard, like ice or pen caps. This can be very painful and can make eating or chewing food difficult.

A fractured tooth needs immediate attention, as it can lead to infection. This condition should be repaired as soon as possible. Your dentist will determine how to repair the broken tooth.

Lost Dental Filling or Dental Crown

Dental fillings and crowns can fall out for a variety of reasons, including decay, trauma, and teeth grinding. Twice daily tooth brushing and daily flossing can help to prevent a filling or crown from coming out. If you do have a filling or crown fall out, it is important to see your dentist as soon as you can.

Knocked-out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is an emergency that should be addressed immediately. As soon as you lose a tooth, rinse it off gently with water. Do not touch it by the root, and try to place it back into the socket. If that is not possible, place it between your cheek and gum or in milk. Then, contact your dentist immediately for an emergency visit.

Severe Toothache

If your teeth hurt, you should seek immediate treatment from a dental professional. As a rule of thumb, you should call your dentist if your toothache is severe. If your toothache is mild, rinse with warm water and gently floss to remove any food particles from between your teeth.

Contact ÉLAN Dentistry for the best dental care. To book an appointment, call (714) 364-8181 or visit us at 1030 West Imperial Hwy, La Habra, CA 90631.