5 Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them

Dental emergencies can be caused by a variety of factors can range from a tooth infection to a knocked-out tooth. No matter how careful you are with your teeth, sometimes an accident will happen inevitably. In this blog, our Dentistry in Bonney Lake will tell you about common dental emergencies and how to handle them.

Here are five of the most common dental emergencies and what you can do to treat them.

Tooth Infection

Also known as an abscess, a tooth infection is considered a dental emergency and should be treated as soon as possible. This occurs when bacteria would enter the pulp of the tooth, infecting the nerve and causing severe pain, and swelling. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissue, causing further damage and even potentially leading to serious health complications such as sepsis.

It’s very crucial to get emergency dental treatment as soon as you notice symptoms of a tooth infection. Symptoms include severe tooth pain, swelling in the gums, fever, or pus drainage. A dentist will prescribe antibiotics to help treat the infection. They may also perform a root canal or extract the tooth, depending on the severity of the infection.

Chipped or Fractured Tooth

A chipped or fractured tooth is considered one of the most common dental emergencies and must be treated immediately. It can happen due to trauma, such as a fall or injury related to sports. A chipped or fractured tooth can even manifest from tooth decay or excessive grinding of teeth.

Symptoms of a chipped or fractured tooth can be a pain, sensitivity to extreme temperatures, or biting and chewing difficulties. If the tooth is chipped or fractured, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage and alleviate pain.

Treatment for a chipped or fractured tooth will depend on the extent of the damage. Small chips can often be smoothed down and polished by the dentist. Larger chips or fractures may require a filling, crown, or even a root canal treatment in Bonney Lake. If the damage is severe, the tooth may need to be extracted.

Knocked Out Tooth

Time is of the essence when a tooth has been knocked out, as the chances of successfully re-implanting the tooth decrease as time goes by.

Here’s what you need to do if your tooth is knocked out:

1. Locate the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root (the pink part).
2. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water for no more than 10 seconds. Do not use soap or scrub the tooth.
3. If possible, try to place the tooth back into the socket, making sure it is facing the right way. If you can’t do that, place the tooth in a cup of milk or saliva.
4. Go to the dentist or emergency room as soon as possible, ideally within 30 minutes of the tooth being knocked out.

Be sure to handle the tooth gently and avoid touching the root. This can damage the cells that are needed for re-implantation. Keeping the tooth in a cup of milk or saliva can help preserve the cells.

At the emergency dental treatment, the dentist will assess the tooth and the socket for any damage. And if the tooth is suitable for re-implantation, the dentist will clean the tooth and place the tooth back into the socket. They may also splint the tooth to the surrounding teeth to keep it in place.

In some cases, the tooth may not be re-implantable and will require an alternative treatment plan like a bridge or an implant.

Lost Filling

A lost filling can be caused by trauma, tooth decay, or wear and tear. It can lead to sensitivity and pain, especially when eating or drinking hot or cold foods. Having lost filling can also increase the risk of tooth decay or infection.

If you have lost a filling, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an emergency appointment. For now, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to manage any pain and avoid eating or drinking anything too hot or cold.

During an emergency dentist in Pierce County WA, the dentist will examine the tooth to determine the cause of the lost filling. If the tooth is not infected and there is enough tooth structure remaining, the dentist will remove any decay and place a new filling. In some cases, if the decay has progressed and there is not enough healthy tooth structure, a crown may be recommended.

If the tooth is infected, the dentist will recommend a root canal treatment to remove the infected tissue.

Damaged Braces

Braces can get damaged because of trauma, such as getting hit in the mouth during sports, or due to poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing and flossing properly.

During the emergency dental treatment, the orthodontist will assess the damage to your braces and determine the best course of action. If the damage is minor, such as a bent wire or a loose bracket, the orthodontist may be able to make repairs in the office. In more severe cases, the orthodontist may need to replace the damaged component or even use a temporary removable appliance.

What Happens When Dental Emergency Treatment Gets Neglected?

Neglecting emergency dental treatment can have serious consequences for both your oral health and overall well-being.

If you have a toothache, for example, it could be a sign of an infection or abscess. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the jawbone and other parts of the head and neck. This can cause severe pain and potentially lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Additionally, the infection can damage the surrounding teeth, gums, and supporting bone, leading to tooth loss.

If you have a broken, cracked, or knocked-out tooth, it’s important to seek emergency dental treatment as soon as possible. A broken tooth can be repaired with a filling, crown, or even a root canal, depending on the extent of the damage. If neglected, a chipped or broken tooth can become infected and eventually require extraction. A knocked-out tooth can be re-implanted if you see the dentist immediately, but the chances of saving the tooth decrease as time goes by.

Seek emergency dental treatment immediately if you’re experiencing an extreme toothache, swelling, or other signs of oral infection. If left untreated, oral infections can spread to other body parts and cause serious problems, like heart disease.

Treat Common Dental Emergencies at Dentistry at Bonney Lake!

Dentistry at Bonney Lake is a dental clinic that provides emergency dental treatment for a variety of dental emergencies. We offer a wide range of services to help patients in pain and discomfort, including emergency tooth extractions, root canals, and emergency fillings. 

We also provide treatments for broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth, lost fillings, and damaged braces. Our team of experienced and qualified dentists is dedicated to providing high-quality care and helping patients in pain. Schedule an appointment today!