No one plans to have a dental emergency, but unexpected dental problems can happen. When you find yourself without a dental appointment and in need of urgent dental care, our team at Wilmington Family Dental will be here to help.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is a medical situation affecting the teeth, gums, jaw, face, or oral cavity that requires immediate medical attention. Dental emergencies include uncontrolled oral bleeding, sudden or severe swelling, persistent and severe pain, or oral infection.
Common Dental Emergencies
Some of the most common dental emergencies include:
- Persistent Toothache - Pain is the body's way of telling you that something is wrong, and so it shouldn't be ignored. While some toothaches can arise as a result of sensitivity, others can indicate a more serious concern such as a serious dental cavity or infection. If you have a persistent or severe toothache, you should have a dental exam right away.
- Orofacial Trauma - Injuries to the mouth, jaw, or face can be serious - even if they don't seem that bad. Small fractures can occur in the jaw or facial bones that can quickly become infected or cause other complications if not diagnosed and treated. If you suffer an injury or blow to the face, we recommend seeing a dentist or doctor for evaluation as soon as possible.
- Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth - A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency requiring immediate dental care. By taking the right actions and getting emergency treatment, you might be able to save your natural tooth. If you have a tooth knocked out, be careful not to touch the tooth by its roots. Do not rinse the tooth with water. If you can, place it back into the socket, but do not force it if swelling is present and it does not go back in easily. Instead, hold the tooth between your cheek and gums on the way to the dentist's office.
- Chipped or Broken Tooth - A chipped or broken tooth can be a dental emergency if the damage is deep enough to expose the interior of a tooth to bacteria. Any chipped, cracked, or broken teeth should be immediately evaluated and treated by a dentist.
- Lost Dental Crown or Filling—A lost crown or filling can also expose the inside of a tooth to bacteria, putting you at risk of infection and tooth loss. Additionally, losing these kinds of dental restorations weakens a tooth, making it susceptible to significant damage.
- Abscess - An abscess is a serious oral infection that can occur in or around a tooth. Left unaddressed, these infections can spread rapidly and be seriously dangerous, putting your life at risk.
- Post-Surgery or Extraction Complications - Signs of complications following a surgical procedure or extraction should be treated as emergencies this includes symptoms of infection or dry socket.
If you experience any of these dental emergencies, you should seek medical evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.
Do You Need Immediate Dental Care?
Sometimes it can be difficult to know whether or not you require immediate medical attention. We always recommend erring on the side of caution and seeking treatment or a professional opinion if you aren't sure. If you have been injured or are experiencing symptoms, we encourage you to contact our office right away. We can talk with you about your situation over the phone and provide you with home-care instructions to follow until you are able to access professional treatment.
Urgent Dental Care in Kettering: We're Here for You When You Need Us the Most
To learn more about our emergency dental services or to establish your family's dental care with our dentist in Kettering, we welcome you to contact Wilmington Family Dental today.
