What Are Different Types of Dental Emergencies?

Dental emergencies are situations in which you experience severe tooth pain, facial swelling, a broken tooth, or a tooth that has been dislodged or knocked out. It is important to see our dentist in Oakland, CA, as soon as possible so that we can treat your emergency. The sooner you call your dentist about your dental emergency, the sooner you can get relief.

Here are some common dental emergencies:

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the tip of a tooth root. If left untreated, an abscess can spread inside the gums and infect the bone, leading to tooth loss.

An abscess may form after a tooth is infected and dies. This can be caused by bacteria, gum disease, trauma, or tooth decay. It typically occurs in young children or older adults who have severe decay or untreated gum disease.

If you suspect you have an abscess, call your dentist immediately.

Broken Tooth

A broken tooth is any type of dental trauma that damages or fractures a tooth. It can become very painful and is prone to infection.

If a tooth breaks, rinse with warm water, then use a cold compress to reduce any swelling. You should call your dentist immediately for further care.

Knocked Out Tooth

If your tooth is knocked out, first rinse it off. If it is dirty, gently scrub it in water. Do not scrub it or rinse it off aggressively. Put the tooth in a container of milk or saltwater, but do not cover the tooth. Call your dentist immediately and bring the tooth with you.

Lost Filling

A lost filling can be incredibly painful. When chewing, food can get trapped between the teeth, which causes pain and irritation. When biting into something, the filling may come out completely.

When a tooth comes into contact with hot or cold foods or drinks, pain may shoot through the tooth. This pain is caused by the exposed nerves of the tooth.

Losing a filling can expose areas of the tooth to bacteria, which can weaken the tooth. If the filling is not replaced, you may experience further tooth decay.

Loose or Dislodged Crown or Bridge

A crown or bridge can dislodge and fall out for a number of reasons. A blow to the face can cause the crown or bridge to become dislodged. A loose crown or bridge can be painful, so it’s important to contact your dentist’s office right away. Dislodged crowns and bridges can also cause problems with your bite, so it’s important to be seen as well.

Toothache

A tooth pain caused by trauma or decay can be excruciating. Tooth pain occurs when there is an issue with the nerve of a tooth. This can occur from a chip or crack in the tooth or from a cavity that has been left untreated.

When a tooth is painful, it may cause other discomforts such as earaches, headaches, or neck pain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to get evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible.

To learn more about best practices for oral health, call Bay Area Dental at (510) 350-8187 or visit our dental office at 3300 Webster Street, #907, Oakland, CA 94609. Book your appointment with our dentist in Oakland, CA, to achieve the smile you have always wished for.