Dental emergencies can occur at the most inopportune times. Whether it happens at work, at school, or at home while playing with your children, you may be unaware of how to handle the situation while waiting to see your dentist. You might also be unsure if what you’re experiencing is an actual emergency. To better understand the types of dental injuries your dentist can treat, here are three of the most common and what kind of care you can expect to receive.
Severe Toothache
It is one thing to have a toothache caused by a lodged piece of food that can be easily removed with dental floss; however, it is another when pain exists deep within the tooth, causing extreme discomfort.
If this is your situation, you’re likely suffering from a serious infection that requires immediate treatment. However, a thorough examination must first be performed to determine the underlying cause of your toothache, as it might be a cavity, cracked tooth, gum disease, or infection.
The type of treatment you will need will be based on the root problem, so you can expect your dentist to recommend everything from a tooth-colored filling, a dental crown, gum disease treatment, root canal therapy, or tooth extraction.
Knocked-Out Tooth
When faced with a lost tooth, it is important that you retrieve it if possible. This will make it easier for your dentist to determine if it can be reattached or not.
Rinsing the tooth off and placing it in a small container of milk or saliva can help keep the roots moist while driving to your dentist’s office. If you arrive within the hour, there is a chance that the tooth can be reattached. However, if it is too damaged or you wait too long for help, you’ll likely need to discuss your options for tooth replacement.
There are three options you and your dentist will go over if this is the proposed course of action – dentures, dental implants, or dental bridges.
Lost Dental Filling or Crown
Although not quite as serious as an infected or knocked-out tooth, a lost dental filling or crown is something you’ll want to seek professional help for within a day or two of losing your restoration. The reason is that bacteria can accumulate and cause problems for the affected tooth.
While it may be possible to reattach the filling or crown, we will evaluate the status of the restoration to determine if it is in good enough shape to be re-bonded. If not, we will need to consider placing a new tooth-colored filling or metal-free dental crown to protect your vulnerable tooth.
While these are only a few of the many dental emergencies that your dentist can address, you now have a clearer understanding of what you can expect when receiving treatment for your damaged smile.
About Grand Dental – Aurora
At Grand Dental – Aurora, our dentists deliver immediate care to individuals experiencing dental pain. While not all dental emergencies can be avoided, we are pleased to offer tips that are designed to minimize risks and prevent damage daily. If you or a loved one would like to learn more about keeping smiles safe, visit our website or call (630) 538-8302 to find out how we can help.