Dental Emergencies

Gilbert, AZ Emergency Dentist, Dr. Morris Oswald, DDS
Dental emergencies are quite frightening and often painful. Prompt treatment is almost always required to alleviate pain and to ensure the teeth have the best possible chance of survival.
Sometimes teeth become fractured by trauma, grinding or biting on hard objects. In other cases, fillings, crowns and other restorative devices can be damaged or fall out of the mouth completely. If there is severe pain, it is essential to make an appointment with the dentist as quickly as possible. The pain caused by dental emergencies almost always gets worse without treatment, and dental issues can seriously jeopardize physical health.

Types of dental emergency and how to deal with them

Avulsed tooth (tooth knocked out)
If a tooth has been knocked clean out of the mouth, it is essential to see a dentist immediately. When a tooth exits the mouth, tissues, nerves and blood vessels become damaged. If the tooth can be placed back into its socket within an hour, there is a chance the tissues will grow to support the tooth once again.

Here are some steps to take:

Call the dentist
Hold the tooth by the crown, rinse with warm water.
Get to the dentist, quickly and safely.
Place the tooth back in its socket or tuck it into your cheek pouch.
If not in the mouth, store the tooth in milk, saliva, or water to keep it from drying out.

Cracked or broken teeth

The teeth are strong, but they are still prone to fractures, cracks and breaks. Sometimes fractures are fairly painless, but if the crack extends down into the root, it is likely that the pain will be extreme. Fractures, cracks and breaks can take several different forms, but are generally caused by trauma, grinding and biting. If a tooth has been fractured or cracked, there is no alternative but to see the dentist as quickly as possible.

Where a segment of tooth has been broken off, here are some steps that can be taken at home:

Lost filling or crown

A crown or filling often comes loose while eating, leaving the tooth sensitive to temperature and pressure. This usually happens due to decay altering the tooth’s shape, causing the crown to no longer fit. If a crown falls out, schedule a dental appointment quickly and keep the crown in a safe place, as the dentist may be able to reinsert it. Leaving it out too long can lead to shifting or further damage. If a dentist isn’t immediately available, follow essential care steps to protect the tooth.

Dislodged/loose teeth

A dislodged or loosened tooth from trauma or decay may still be saved if it remains attached to blood vessels and nerves, possibly avoiding root canal therapy. Call a dentist immediately for an appointment. Meanwhile, use a cold compress and pain relievers for relief. The dentist will reposition the tooth and stabilize it with splints, but if healing fails, a root canal may be needed. For any concerns about dental emergencies, contact your dentist.

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