There are many types of dental emergencies that require immediate attention by a dentist. Emergencies may present as sudden tooth pain in the middle of the night, as broken teeth after an accident, or more. Although some dental emergencies may occur suddenly, many are actually preventable, since cavities and other problems can be detected at earlier stages before they become painful or even irreparable. Below we discuss some of the most common dental emergencies.

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DENTAL ABSCESSES & INFECTIONS

Abscesses are one of the most common types of dental emergencies that we see. In fact, they are often caused by cavities that get larger and cause an infection over time. This infection can cause you to lose the infected tooth itself, but the infection can also spread to neighboring teeth, compromising their health as well. Although these pus-filled abscesses can often be completely asymptomatic, they can also often lead to severe pain, fever, and other severe emergencies such as difficulty breathing. Although abscess are one of the most common dental emergencies, they are also often preventable with regular check ups to the dentist.

BROKEN, CRACKED, OR CHIPPED TEETH

It is most common to chip or crack teeth while eating hard foods or following some sort of accident. When teeth break or chip, they are more prone to sensitivity, can crack further, and are at greater risk for the formation of cavities. Often times, patients will find that their tooth is highly sensitive to cold beverages. The larger the break or chip, the more serious the situation, so it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible to evaluate and treat the extent of the damage.

KNOCKED OUT (AVULSED) TEETH

Teeth that get knocked out require immediate attention, often within 24 hours. The sooner they can be addressed, the better the likelihood is that they can be saved.

LOST CROWNS AND BRIDGES

If you have a crown or bride that has come off for any reason, make sure you visit your dentist as soon as possible. Unprotected teeth that are missing crowns and bridges are susceptible to decay, breaking, and sensitivity. Crowns come off for various reasons such as decay or leakage, so it is important to address these issues as soon as possible in order to increase the tooth’s chances of being saved.

BROKEN BRACES OR WIRES

Broken metal wires are one of the most common dental emergencies patients may experience while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Broken wires can injure the soft tissues in the mouth, such as the lips, gums, cheeks, and tongue, so it is important to see your dentist to repair these wires immediately.

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These are only some of the most common dental emergencies. Emergencies have the best outlook if taken care of immediately, so it is always best to have any emergencies checked ASAP to be safe. If you feel that you’re experiencing any type of dental emergency, call our office at (323)560-3646 to schedule a same-day consultation.