Dental emergencies can happen at any time. Trauma to the mouth can cause a dental emergency. Dental emergencies that involve trauma to the mouth, teeth, or gums should be treated immediately. Here are common dental emergencies:

Severe Toothache

The “s” in toothache stands for severe! A severe toothache is a painful and uncomfortable experience that requires immediate treatment from a dental professional. If you are experiencing a severe toothache, be sure to call your dentist right away for emergency care.

Most cases of severe toothache are caused by an infection or abscess in the tooth or gums. These infections are serious and require medical attention immediately to prevent long-term damage. Other causes of severe toothache include trauma to the teeth, such as grinding the teeth at night or an accident. If your teeth have been physically damaged in an accident, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible to have the tooth examined and treated to prevent infection.

Knocked-out Tooth

A knocked-out permanent tooth needs immediate treatment after an injury to keep it viable for reimplantation later. If it is a baby tooth, there is no need to replace it. However, it is still important to bring your child in right away so they can have a thorough exam to check for any injuries to surrounding teeth.

Fractured Teeth

A fractured tooth is a damaged tooth that is cracked or chipped. It’s generally categorized as either a fractured cusp or a cracked tooth. In some cases, it can impact the entire tooth by splitting the enamel and the dentin underneath. An injury that causes a tooth to be broken can be serious and very painful. If you’ve experienced an injury or trauma to your teeth, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible! 

Chipped or Broken Teeth

A broken tooth can be a serious dental emergency, especially if it affects your appearance. It is important to see your dentist as soon as possible to prevent the tooth from chipping further and causing more damage. In the meantime, use an over-the-counter oral pain reliever to help reduce any discomfort. If your tooth is visibly cracked, avoid biting down, so you do not cause further damage and sensitivity. 

Over time, small chips or cracks can develop in your teeth. While these do not usually require treatment, they can affect your overall appearance and cause sensitivity to temperature extremes. Your dentist can polish away minor imperfections with a dental drill or a rotary tool to improve the aesthetics of your smile. 

To learn more about our dental services or to schedule an appointment, call us at (770) 450-0415, and we will be happy to help.