Dental emergencies are oral health crises that require immediate professional attention to prevent further damage such as tooth loss, and they have a horrible tendency to strike at the least convenient moments possible. Thankfully, your dentist is trained and equipped to handle a wide range of dental disasters with care, compassion, and expertise. Here’s a brief guide to what counts as a dental emergency and what you can expect when you arrive at your dentist’s office for help.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Some oral health problems are more immediate threats to your teeth and gums than others. A few examples of dental emergencies include:
- A dislodged tooth: A knocked-out tooth will be lost permanently without prompt professional attention. It’s best to bring your tooth to your dentist’s office within an hour of it being dislodged.
- A loose permanent tooth: An adult tooth that is moving easily in its socket is at great risk of being lost.
- A severe toothache: A throbbing, miserable toothache is typically the result of a severe dental infection.
- Severe chips and cracks: Damage that exposes the inner structure of the tooth can be quite painful and leave you vulnerable to dental infections.
- Something stuck between your teeth: If you can’t dislodge a stubborn object with dental floss or your toothbrush, your dentist can gently and safely remove it.
Issues like broken dentures, loose fillings or dental crowns, and TMJ pain can typically wait a few days before receiving care.
What Are Emergency Dental Appointments Like?
After your dental emergency strikes, call your dentist’s office to explain the situation and let them know you are coming. The staff will probably provide you with first aid instructions over the phone. If your tooth is dislodged, take care to only handle it by the crown and store it in a container with saliva or milk for transport to the dental office. Once there, your dentist will evaluate your mouth and maybe take x-rays to assess the damage.
Depending on the nature of the issue, your dentist will either perform an appropriate treatment to address it or prescribe you medicines such as pain relievers and antibiotics and schedule you for treatment on a later date.
Emergency dental care has allowed countless patients to avoid tooth loss and continue enjoying excellent oral health. At your dentist’s office, the staff will take special care to ensure that you remain comfortable while they address your problem.
About the Author
Dr. Haiwen Zhang earned his dental degree at the Medical University of South Carolina James B. Edward College of Dental Medicine and furthers his skillset with continuing education courses from the Pankey Institute and Spear Education. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Sante Fe offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, dial (505) 372-1121. For non-urgent inquiries, contact his office online.