It is important to swiftly seek treatment for dental issues or discomfort to ensure the best chance of saving the affected tooth or teeth. A dental emergency may be acute like breaking a tooth, or it may be gradual as an area develops pain or swelling. As soon as you identify a dental issue you should contact your dentist to have it evaluated.
Schedule an AppointmentWhat should you do if you chip or crack your tooth?
Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you realize you have chipped or cracked a tooth. The issue must be addressed promptly to prevent further damage or infection that could result in tooth loss. Until you see your dentist, gently rinse your mouth out and avoid eating or biting down on the cracked or chipped tooth.
What should you do if you’re experiencing oral pain or swelling?
Oral pain can be caused by many issues and may or may not be accompanied by swelling. A painful tooth may be decayed, fractured, or abscessed. Abscessed teeth form pockets of infection that appear red and swollen but they are not always painful. If a previous filling is damaged it can also lead to tooth pain. Sometimes oral pain stems from issues with the gums rather than the teeth. You should visit your dentist if you notice any oral pain or swelling that is sudden, severe, or does not subside within a day or so.
When is oral surgery needed?
Emergency oral surgery is needed if trauma occurs to the mouth or face and involves broken teeth/bones or injury to the gums. If a tooth is knocked out it is important to keep it moist in milk or replace it in the tooth socket to prevent it from drying out before you see your dentist.
Oral surgery can also be used to restore function, replace teeth, or improve a person’s cosmetic appearance. Additionally, oral pain and infections are sometimes treated through surgery.
What should you do if you have pain or issues with your gums?
Periodontal or gum disease can occur when a patient is not using effective daily oral hygiene methods. Bacterial builds up around the base of teeth and causes the gums to become inflamed and begin separating from the tooth. Treatment for gum disease involves scaling/removing the bacteria from the tooth through deep cleaning and sometimes an antimicrobial is needed to disinfect the mouth. The patient also helps control oral bacteria through daily brushing and flossing.
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