Types of Dental Emergencies

An emergency dentist is a dentist who provides you with immediate dental care when you are in pain. Emergency dental care is an essential service that we offer here at Baker Family Dentistry.

But you need to understand that not all ‘dental emergencies’ are created equal. Some situations require immediate attention, while others can wait until normal business hours.

Some examples of dental emergencies include:

Toothache

A toothache can indicate a variety of different problems, some of them relatively harmless and temporary, and others more serious and requiring immediate attention. A toothache that persists or worsens over a short period of time can be a sign of a dental emergency, especially if it’s accompanied by fever or facial swelling. These symptoms could be signs of swelling or infection in the tooth root, a sinus infection, or gum disease.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Sometimes it is possible for a tooth to be restored with a filling or bonding. In other cases, the tooth may need to be extracted. A chipped or broken tooth can be a sign of a bigger problem, so it is best to contact your dentist as soon as possible.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency. If the tooth is put back in place within an hour, the chances are high that the tooth can be saved. The chances may be lower if the tooth is put back in place after several hours.

To treat a knocked-out tooth, gently place the tooth back in its place. This should be done without touching the root. If the root is dirty, rinse it with milk. Cover the tooth with a piece of gauze and bite down gently to keep it in place. If this isn’t possible, place the tooth in a glass of milk.

Lost Crown or Filling

A crown or filling can fall out or be damaged for a number of reasons. A loose or lost crown or filling may be the sign of a larger problem, such as a cavity or gum disease, which means you need to see your dentist as soon as possible. A loose or lost crown or filling can also be a sign of trauma or an accident. So, it is best to visit your dentist soon.

Object Caught Between Teeth

If an object is caught between your teeth, don’t panic. Simply use dental floss to gently remove the object. Never use sharp objects to remove an object stuck between your teeth. Attempting to remove the object with sharp objects can damage your teeth.

If you can’t remove the object with dental floss, you should visit your dentist before it turns into an infection.

Dental Abscess

An abscess is a localized collection of pus that has accumulated in or around a decayed tooth. Pus is a fluid made of dead white blood cells. An abscess results when bacteria get into the dental pulp. If the pulp is exposed, bacteria can enter and cause an infection. This infection causes pressure and pain. Pus forms as the body attempt to fight the infection.

Dr. Lisa Baker and her caring team want their Bloomington area patients to enjoy beautiful, healthy smiles. For more information on procedures under general dentistry, call us for a consultation at (812) 269-8230.