What Are the Most Common Dental Emergencies?

A lot of people get confused about dental emergencies. They know that severe bleeding from the mouth is an emergency, but they aren't sure if a simple toothache should send them to the emergency room. The answer is that it depends. ‍

Here are some of the most common dental emergencies and what you can do to address them:‍

1. Toothaches‍

A toothache is one of the most common dental emergencies. But, because pain can vary significantly and is so subjective, a lot of people don't know that they can get immediate care for their problem. ‍

Here's the thing:‍

If you are in severe pain that doesn't seem to go away with the help of medication and it's affecting your daily life, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Intense tooth pain could be a sign of a more serious problem, such as an infection. If left untreated, the infection could spread to other parts of your body and cause even more problems. ‍

2. Knocked-Out Tooth‍

A knocked-out tooth is a serious dental emergency that requires immediate attention. ‍

Here's what to do if you ever knock out a tooth.‍

First, rinse your mouth and try to control the bleeding, if there's any. ‍

Then, try to find the tooth so you can take it to the dentist. Make sure to pick it up by the crown (the part of the tooth that is visible in the mouth) and rinse it with water. Do not scrub or remove any tissue that may be attached to the root of the tooth. If possible, try to place the tooth back into the socket. If you can't do that, put it in a cup of milk or water. ‍

If you act quickly, the dentist may be able to save the tooth. ‍‍

3. Broken or Fractured Tooth‍

Trauma, decay, or grinding can often lead to a broken or fractured tooth. If this ever happens to you, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. ‍

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the extent of the damage simply by looking at your tooth, so it's important to see a dentist immediately, especially if you are experiencing throbbing pain. The dentist will use X-Rays to see if the tooth is just a bit chipped or if it's fractured. ‍

4. Lost Crown‍

There are instances when a crown has a clear purpose - to protect your tooth from bacteria sneaking in. If the tooth becomes unprotected, you will not only experience pain and sensitivity, but as bacteria get inside the tooth, you may be facing a severe infection too. ‍

So it's vital that you see a dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can use a piece of sugarless gum or dental cement to protect your tooth.‍

Dealing With a Dental Emergency? Call Us Right Now! ‍

Here at Indigo Dental, we understand very well that some dental problems simply cannot wait until the next day. So if you call us at (864) 565-8684 and tell us about your problem, we will be able to see you right away. ‍

If you are curious about our other dental services, you can write to us online and schedule your appointment.