What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Many patients believe they can wait until their next checkup appointment if they experience a tooth issue. However, a dental emergency needs to be handled immediately by a trained specialist to avoid further infection or damage.

What is a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies are sudden, uncomfortable conditions affecting teeth or gums and requiring quick medical intervention. Toothaches, cracked or broken teeth, lost crowns and fillings, tooth extractions, loose fillings, abscesses in the mouth, injuries to the jaw or gums, and objects lodged between teeth are some of the common dental emergencies. These situations can be excruciatingly uncomfortable and can cause severe pain. To know what to do in a dental emergency, it’s critical to have a plan in place.

5 Types of Dental Emergencies

Many dental emergencies can occur. However, the most common dental emergencies include:

1. Knocked-Out Tooth

It’s critical to seek immediate care if a tooth is knocked out. Locate the tooth, then use warm water to carefully wash away any dirt or debris. To keep the tooth wet until you can see your emergency dentist, place it in a cup of milk or save-a-tooth solution.

2. Broken or Cracked Tooth

Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face and rinse your mouth with warm water if you have a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth. Any fragments of the damaged tooth should be kept in case your dentist needs them to make repairs.

3. Dental Abscess

An infection-filled area in the mouth known as a dental abscess can be extremely painful. Take over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary, and rinse your mouth with warm salt water if you have an abscess.

4. Serious Tooth Pain

If you have a severe toothache, carefully floss around the affected area to remove any food particles and rinse your mouth with warm water. Avoid applying aspirin or any other painkiller straight on the gum as this could irritate it further.

5. Soft-Tissue Injury

If you have a cut or a puncture wound in your mouth, rinse with warm salt water and place a cold compress outside your face. Schedule a dental appointment, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever if necessary.

Time is crucial in any dental emergency. To guarantee the best results for your dental health, get in touch with your dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible.

Emergency Dental Care

Different dental services will be used for certain dental emergencies depending on the type of emergency and its seriousness. Dental emergencies can be treated by your dentist with various procedures, including extractions, fillings, crowns, and root canals. If the issue is severe, your dentist may occasionally even recommend that you see an endodontist or an oral surgeon.

Maintain Your Oral Health and Prevent Dental Problems with Aesthetic Dental

At Aesthetic Dental, we promote a healthy lifestyle and preventive dental care to avoid dental emergencies. Our experienced Santa Clarita dentists can provide a range of general services such as regular checkups and cleanings to help keep your mouth healthy and free of infection and emergency dentistry. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you maintain a healthy smile.