Urgent dental problems can happen at any time. While it’s normal to be scared, knowing what will happen once you get to the emergency dentist can help ease your mind and make treating your problem a lot easier. Here are five common dental emergencies, and what your dentist will likely do to treat them.
Fractured Tooth
A fractured tooth is one of the most common issues patients seek emergency dental care for. If you have broken your tooth, you should see your dentist as soon as possible, as in addition to being very painful, this type of injury can easily become infected.
If your tooth becomes fractured, your dentist will do everything they can to repair it. This could include solutions such as dental bonding, a crown, a veneer, or an extraction and restoration if the damage is too severe.
Lost Dental Fillings
Should you lose your dental filling, be sure to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible. Failing to replace a lost filling can lead to problems like inflammation, pain, infection, and even worsening of the cavity. Furthermore, exposed dentin could result in a root canal if left untreated for too long.
Bleeding /Trauma
Bleeding or trauma is common with athletes. It is still possible to save a tooth that has been knocked completely out; however, this is not always the case. Thus, if you lose a tooth, act swiftly to improve your odds of saving it. In the meantime, you can try holding it in place in the socket or soaking it in milk or a container of tooth preservation soak available from many pharmacies.
If you have recently had a tooth extraction, you can expect bleeding to subside within 24 to 48 hours of your procedure. If bleeding persists after that, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Persistent Toothache
If you have a consistently throbbing toothache that has lasted longer than 24 hours, this could indicate that you have an infection in the dentin. Call your dentist as soon as possible if this occurs, as you may require a root canal to save the tooth and stop the infection from spreading.
Post Dental Surgery Complications
While some pain following dental surgery is common, it should begin to lessen within 24 to 48 hours. If this does not happen, call your dentist as soon as possible. There are many reasons why your healing may be delayed; however, your dentist may be able to assist you in getting relief sooner if possible.
Remember, dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, but your emergency dentist is equipped to help. Don’t let the fear of what might happen at your appointment stop you from getting the tooth-saving care you need. If you are suffering from a dental emergency, please contact your dentist as soon as possible. For life threatening emergencies, always call 911 first.
About Dr. Prach
Dr. Erin Prach loves being able to make her patients look and feel better thanks to the treatment she provides. Whether you’re looking for a routine cleaning and exam, a smile makeover, or you need urgent relief in a dental emergency, Dr. Prach and the team are ready to assist you.
When disaster strikes, don’t let your fear of the unknown prevent you from getting urgent attention. Contact our office immediately by calling us at 307-337-4770 for assistance.