Dentists verify the health of your teeth and gums by offering cleanings, fillings, X-rays, and more. Due to accidents or asymptomatic conditions, there may be times when patients need to come in for emergency dental services. Here are a few frequently asked questions to discuss with your emergency dentist:
What Are the Types of Dental Emergencies?
Dental emergencies involve cases where patients need immediate help from their dentist. These instances include accidentally knocking out a tooth, cracking a tooth, or losing a crown. Emergencies like this may occur due to sports injuries or biting into foods that are too hard.
Patients may also experience sudden, extreme pain in one of their teeth. The discomfort may be due to cavities, gum diseases, or infections. If this occurs, patients should seek immediate dental assistance for treatment and pain relief.
How Do I Know if My Case Is an Emergency?
Certain dental issues are not emergencies and can wait until the next available opening in your schedule. Discomfort that subsides with the help of soft foods and over-the-counter pain relievers is not an immediate emergency situation. If you have excessive bleeding, facial swelling, debilitating pain, or a missing tooth, schedule an emergency appointment with your dental provider. If not treated quickly, these issues may lead to permanent damage to your teeth and jaw.
What Treatments Do I Need for Emergency Services?
Your emergency dentist will offer treatments like tooth extractions, root canals, and recementing crowns. Here are a few specific dental emergencies and their treatments:
Gum Disease
In instances of gum disease, the dentist will perform scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Scaling and root planing remove the buildup from below your gumline and around your roots, cleaning out areas that are hard to reach with a regular toothbrush and floss. For extreme cases of gum disease, the dentist will make an incision in your gums to remove the damaged tissue.
Damaged Teeth
The solution for lost or cracked teeth will depend on how extensive the damage is. Dental implants will replace teeth that are gone entirely, including the root. Crowns or veneers help to restore the original shape of your teeth if the root is still healthy. When you have a smaller crack or chip, the dentist can use resin to fill the gaps and prevent further deterioration.
Painful Teeth
Painful teeth can result from a dental abscess, which occurs when gum disease has progressed so far that it causes infections and tooth decay. Emergency dentists evaluate the infected area, drain the abscess, and perform a root canal if the tooth is damaged beyond repair. Cavities can also cause pain and sensitivity in your teeth. If caught early on, the dentist will simply remove the decay and fill it with a strong resin or porcelain material.
Get Help From an Emergency Dentist Today
Small issues can escalate into larger dental emergencies if not treated promptly. X-rays and inspections allow dentists to catch cavities, oral cancer, and cracked teeth early on. Schedule regular checkups and cleaning appointments with your dentist so that they can evaluate your oral health.
