Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, requiring an immediate call to a dentist. Delaying care for your toothache or injury can cause damage to your teeth, gums, and even bone. Discomfort typically worsens as tooth pain rarely resolves on its own.
In addition to providing relief, the dentist will evaluate your dental emergency and treat your condition. By addressing the problem right away, you avoid losing a tooth that may have been saved or prevent infection from spreading any further and threatening more of your smile.
The following are some common causes of dental emergencies and their treatments:
Tooth Pain:
Severe or increasing tooth pain - Tooth pain that progresses over a short amount of time is most likely due to decay that has spread to the pulp and caused infection. Root canal therapy is usually required to preserve the tooth by the time a cavity or infection causes this kind of pain. This treatment clears out the infection and restores the inner structure of your tooth. A crown is then placed to replicate the previously healthy tooth.
Dental Injuries:
A dislodged (avulsed) tooth must be attended to immediately (within 30 minutes) for the chance of successful reimplantation. This is also true in most cases of tooth intrusion (when a tooth is pushed deep into the gum tissue and jaw). Even a partially dislodged tooth typically requires an extraction before an attempt at re-implantation is made.
While success rates with re-implantation vary, they have improved over the years and this method remains the most conservative way to address avulsion. If the tooth is lost the dentist may recommend replacement with a dental implant.
Alternative Approaches to intrusion include sterilizing the area and giving it time to re-erupt. If this does not occur or the intrusion is too deep, orthodontic or surgical intervention may be attempted.
Small chips can be corrected with bonding, while a significantly cracked or broken tooth could require root canal therapy if the root is still intact. If the root has been severely damaged, extraction may be required.
Broken Restorations or Dental Appliances:
While not always a true emergency, damage to your dental device or prosthetic can be distressing. Call your dental care provider right away to schedule a visit so that they can assess the damage. If it’s possible, the dentist will attempt to repair your restoration. It is important to have your case assessed as soon as possible to avoid gum tissue growing into the spaces your restoration belongs.
Addressing Dental Emergency Promptly Save Money and Your Smile
The cost of neglecting your dental emergency can be high, both for your smile and wallet. If left untreated, a dental emergency is likely to lead to increased pain cause additional damage to adjacent structures.
Don’t neglect your dental health. Dr. Stuart Anderson treats dental emergencies in Corona, Ca and can help you feel better and save your smile.