What Are the Different Types of Dental Emergencies?

Dental emergencies can range from relatively minor tooth pain to more serious problems, such as a broken tooth. If you experience a dental emergency, it's important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Here are a few common dental emergencies:

Toothache

A toothache is usually a sign of an infection. Bad bacteria is able to reach the tooth from the gums, causing a cavity to form or the need for an extraction. If you experience pain accompanied by fever and swelling, you should see your dentist as soon as possible to pinpoint the source of your infection. Some symptoms may indicate the need for a root canal treatment.

Broken Tooth/ Teeth

A broken tooth can leave you with a large, painful, and unsightly gap in your smile. However, because teeth are designed with a protective layer of enamel, they are capable of withstanding moderate amounts of force without breaking. When a tooth suffers damage that exceeds your natural tolerance threshold, you may require an emergency visit to your dentist's office. 

Lost Filling or Crown

When any of the teeth are missing their fillings, you could experience extreme pain. If you lose a crown (the covering of the tooth), your speech may be affected, and the tooth could crack or get chipped. In both cases, you need to visit the dentist as soon as possible to have a replacement made before your broken tooth worsens.

Chipped Tooth

A chipped or broken tooth needs to be repaired quickly to avoid further damage, pain, and embarrassment. It is important to call your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to assess the damage and recommend a treatment plan. Sometimes, the repair may be as simple as applying a dental bonding material to the damaged area to hide the chip or repair a small crack or fracture. In other cases, more extensive treatment is needed, such as porcelain veneers or dental crowns, to restore the entire tooth structure back to health.

Knocked-out Tooth

If you knock out a tooth, rinse it with warm water and try to put it back in place. If that is not possible, keep it moist by putting it in a cup of milk or saline solution. Call your dentist right away to schedule an emergency appointment. The knocked-out tooth must be kept moist at all times. Do not place it back in place yourself. This could cause further damage or even loss of the tooth. Your dentist will need to assess the damage and determine the appropriate treatment.

To learn more about dental emergencies, visit the ZM Dental office at 14502 N Dale Mabry Hwy #102, Tampa, FL 33618. You can also reach us at (813) 513-5045 and schedule an online appointment.