Dental emergencies can happen at any time. The key is to know how to handle them. The first step is to remain calm and schedule an appointment with a dental health care professional as soon as you can. Aside from that, use the tips below to learn what to do if you experience any one of these common dental emergencies.
Pain When Biting
For those who experience pain when biting down, eating, chewing, and even sleeping, tooth problems can be a big deal. The source of the pain may be the result of a number of things including tooth decay, cracked teeth, loose fillings, infection, and exposed roots. The causes of these conditions range from grinding your teeth while you sleep to injuries or eating too much sugar without removing it. Because the pain is only a symptom, it is important to find out what the root of the pain is before treating it. A dentist can diagnose the problem and take care of it before the issue and the pain gets any worse.
Abscessed Teeth or Gums
This issue occurs when bacteria enters the dental pulp, the home of the nerve and blood vessels. The bacteria can spread to the root of the tooth and lead to pain, inflammation, and bad breath. The infection reaches a head when it becomes an abscess that is visible on the surface of the gums. For minor cases, antibiotics may be enough to cure the infection. However, a root canal is often necessary to address the root cause and drain the abscess. If you believe you have this problem, it’s best to see a dentist as soon as you can.
Knocked Out Teeth
Knocked out and broken teeth are fairly common, especially among children. This issue is usually caused by some sort of trauma to the mouth. If you act quickly and follow the steps below, you may be able to save the tooth. If not, you may need a dental implant in Aliso Viejo, CA. To save the tooth:
- Locate the missing tooth and pick it up by the crown, not the root.
- Rinse the tooth with water or milk. Do not use any chemicals or soap.
- If you can, slide the tooth back in the mouth into the socket it fell out of. If you can’t get it back in, place the tooth in a glass of milk.
- Locate a dentist within half an hour of the incident to save the tooth. There may be damage to the bone, nerves, and blood vessels because of the trauma. The faster the dentist can reattach the tooth, the better off you will be.
Wisdom Tooth Inflammation
Wisdom teeth are the last to appear and usually do so in adulthood. When the wisdom teeth begin to erupt, you may experience slow onset or sudden pain since your teeth are shifting and becoming overcrowded. To ease wisdom tooth pain and stop existing teeth from shifting, you may need to have the wisdom teeth removed. Consult with your dentist to determine the best course of action for you.
Dr. Turner has helped countless patients get the healthy, beautiful smile they desired. Excellent clinical work and unrivaled personal attention make Turner Dental Care the premier Cosmetic Dental Office in Aliso Viejo. Call Jenny now for a complimentary consultation at (949) 770-3294 or contact us online.
