June 30, 2024
Because determining what is and isn't a dental emergency can be confusing, if you’re experiencing any oral health problems, you should call your dentist. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry. However, there are some injuries and symptoms that are unequivocally emergencies, requiring immediate treatment. Read on to learn when to call Dentex Smile Studio for emergency dental care.
Acute Pain is a Dental Emergency
Acute (sudden and perhaps sharp or throbbing) pain is a dental emergency. New onset of pain when at rest, chewing, or eating hot or cold foods may indicate the presence of infection, significant decay that has reached the pulp of the tooth, or a crack in a tooth. You should seek emergency dental care if you suddenly develop sharp or throbbing pain in a tooth.An Avulsed (Knocked Out) Tooth is a Dental Emergency
If you suffered an accident that partially or fully knocked out one of your permanent teeth, you need emergency dental care. Teeth that are completely knocked out may be saved if you receive care quickly. If possible, place the tooth back in its pocket and head to the dentist. If the tooth will not fit easily into the pocket, place it in a glass of milk and take it with you to the dentist.Trauma to the Teeth or Jaw is a Dental Emergency
Any direct impact to the jaw or teeth is a dental emergency requiring immediate care. Falls, bicycle accidents, and sports collisions are all common causes of trauma to the teeth. If you’re experiencing significant bleeding or may have sustained other injuries, go to the ER immediately. If the impact only affected your mouth, go to the dentist immediately for an examination and evaluation.A Broken Tooth is a Dental Emergency
If your tooth splits, cracks, or breaks, you should seek emergency dental care, to protect the nerves in the pulp of the tooth from infection. Small chips in the teeth are not emergencies and can be treated at your convenience.Lost Dental Restorations are Dental Emergencies
If you lose a dental filling or crown, you should seek emergency dental care. Fillings and crowns protect vulnerable teeth, and without them, the tooth is at risk of infection. If you’re missing a filling or a crown has come off, call your dentist immediately.A Dental Abscess is an Emergency
A dental abscess forms in response to a bacterial infection. A pimple-like bump is the most obvious sign of a dental abscess and may be accompanied by a swollen face or jaw. Without treatment, this infection may enter the bloodstream, so it’s vital to get urgent care as soon as possible.Bleeding or Pain After a Tooth Extraction
If you’ve had a tooth extracted and the bleeding won’t stop, or you’re experiencing pain for an hour or more after your extraction, call your dentist for emergency care.Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Emergencies
Are sore gums a dental emergency?
Tender, sore gums are not a dental emergency unless accompanied by pain, excessive bleeding, a pimple-like spot on the gum, or difficulty chewing. Sore gums may result from teeth clenching, gingivitis, or a deep cavity. You should call your dentist and book your appointment as soon as possible, but you likely do not need immediate treatment.Is a loose dental crown a dental emergency?
A loose dental crown should be repaired as soon as possible. It does not pose an immediate risk to your health, but you will be scheduled to come in as soon as possible to reattach the crown.Call Dentex Smile Studio for Dental Emergencies in Morristown, NJ
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency such as trauma to the teeth or jaw, tooth pain, a cracked tooth, or a lost dental restoration, call Dentex Smile Studio for priority care at . For non-emergency appointments, you are welcome to message us.