Emergencies can catch us by surprise. And while you may not plan for a dental emergency, your dentist does. So, seek care promptly to ensure the best outcome for your oral health.
Recognizing an Emergency
If you are in extreme pain or experience cuts on your tongue, cheeks, lips or gums, you likely need urgent treatment. Don’t risk your oral health by waiting. Some dental emergencies can require oral surgery, root canal, tooth extraction, or other intricate treatments if care is not sought immediately.
Common dental emergencies include:
- A severe toothache
- A loose permanent tooth
- A knocked-out tooth
- A broken tooth (cracked, chipped, or with a chunk missing)
- An abscessed tooth
Make an Appointment
When experiencing a dental emergency, seek care immediately. Depending on the severity of your emergency, same-day or after-hour appointment options may be available. So, contact your dentist for guidance.
Managing a Dental Emergency
In an emergency, it helps to know what to expect. In some instances, there are steps you can take to manage the situation at home. But more complex emergencies require intervention from your dentist.
Guidance for Each Dental Emergency
The following list will help you understand the necessary steps to take if you encounter one of these dental emergencies.
- A severe toothache – Tooth pain can often result from food stuck in your teeth. So, start by flossing or gargling water. If the pain doesn’t subside, make a dentist appointment. It’s possible you have a cavity.
- A knocked-out or loose permanent tooth – A sudden impact is often the result of a loose tooth. However, receding gums or deteriorating jaw bones can cause teeth to loosen over time. When you notice a loose tooth, seek dental care within 30 minutes. The dentist will seek to reinforce or replant the tooth securely in the socket, if possible.
- A broken tooth (cracked, chipped, or with a chunk missing) – Seek immediate dental care. This situation can be painful, so you can rinse with warm water or apply a cold compress while you wait for your appointment.
- An abscessed tooth – Pus around the tooth indicates infection. You must seek treatment from a dentist to remedy an abscess. Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment can include scaling, a root canal, or in some instances, even a tooth extraction.
Dental Care You Can Trust
We encourage you to take proper daily care of your teeth to minimize the risk of a dental emergency. And in the event of an emergency, turn to your trusted CITIDental Rancho dentist in El Cajon for quality care you can trust.
