Most Common Dental Emergencies

If you are ever in need of urgent dental care, know that you are not alone. According to statistics, nearly 12% of American adults have experienced a dental emergency. Dental emergencies can strike at any time, causing severe pain and making it impossible for you to wait.

Some of the most common dental emergencies are described below:

Toothache

Toothaches can be caused by a variety of issues, including tooth decay and cavities. A toothache is a sign that something is wrong with a tooth – this can be something as simple as a minor cavity or as serious as a fracture in the enamel or a nerve being affected. If left untreated, these issues can turn into bigger problems that can cause pain, discomfort, and even tooth loss. Some common causes of toothaches include:

• Cavities
• Abscesses (an infection in the gums)
• Cracked teeth (especially molars that are grinding against each other due to stress or misalignment)
• Gum disease
• Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Orthodontic work causing soreness around certain areas of your mouth
• Bruxism (teeth grinding at night while you sleep)
• Dry mouth (lack of saliva) causing irritation to your gums and teeth
• Biting down on something hard when you do not have back molars
• Temperature sensitivity in some fillings

If you are experiencing a persistent toothache, you should not delay in calling your dentist for an assessment. The sooner the problem is detected and treated, the less pain and damage there will be in the long run.

It is best not to ignore a toothache – this can lead to irreversible damage to the teeth and gums. If you experience a toothache for more than a day, contact your emergency dentist for advice. Do not wait to see if the issue resolves itself on its own, as this could end up leading to more serious problems. It is important to visit the dentist for a check-up at least twice a year to ensure that your teeth remain in good shape and you have good oral health. Even if you are not experiencing any pain or discomfort,

Broken or Knocked-out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth can be replanted if you act quickly enough. First, rinse your mouth with salt water and apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling until you can get to the dentist. Then, see if you can slip the tooth back into the socket yourself; however, it's usually easier to place it between your gums and cheek to keep it in place until you get help. If this isn't possible, you can place the tooth in a container of milk to keep the root from drying out before you can get to the dentist's office. If you need immediate assistance, contact us as soon as possible for an emergency appointment and get the help you need!

Object Caught Between Teeth

If a piece of food is trapped between two teeth and a child cannot dislodge the item, try flossing between both sets of teeth to remove the item. However, if there is something stuck that cannot be removed by simple flossing, contact our office as soon as possible. 

To learn more about dental emergencies, contact Dieterlen Dental at 3015 E. 91st Street, Tulsa, OK 74137, or call (918) 299-2400.