Common injuries treated by an emergency dentist

Acute or chronic tooth pain is a sign that urgent dental attention is required. Tooth decay or cavities are the most common cause of tooth pain. Decay is caused by a bacterial infection that could penetrate through the tooth, right to the gum tissues. Sometimes, tooth pain may mean you need to undergo a root canal therapy – a treatment performed to rid the tooth of severe infections and alleviate pain. Dentists usually recommend this as an alternative to tooth extraction. In some cases, the pain may be caused by tooth sensitivity or a damaged filling. The only way to ascertain the real cause of the pain is to book an appointment with the emergency dentist immediately.

A knocked-out permanent tooth needs prompt action and is one of the common reasons for emergency dental visits. The chances of saving the tooth are higher if patients pick up the tooth without touching the roots, carefully clean it with water, and replace it into its sockets before they get to the emergency dentist. If they cannot put it back into its socket, they should try to store it between their cheek and gum or in a container of milk.

Chipped or broken teeth are other traumatic tooth injuries that must be treated by the dentist. If a patient chips or breaks a tooth, they should collect all the pieces that they can find and take them along because the dentist might be able to attach those pieces once again. If the tooth has shifted or loosened, treatment must occur as soon as possible. If uncontrollable bleeding occurs, you need to visit the emergency room.

Emergency dentists commonly see injuries and infections affecting the soft tissues in the oral cavity. Damages to the gum tissues, tongue, or cheek could be due to falls, accidental bites, sports injuries, and hot liquids. Injuries could also occur when foreign materials get trapped below the gum line and can worsen into painful and severe abscesses. A gum abscess is a pocket full of pus caused by an infection. Abscesses must be treated promptly before the infection spreads.

Orthodontic emergencies could occur if patients suffer trauma or injury to the teeth, face, or mouth. Gum, mouth, or facial swelling, infection, and severe pain could be considered orthodontic emergencies. If this happens, get immediate dental care from an emergency dental office. If an orthodontic device breaks, loosens or causes irritation, patients should contact the dentist for repair.