Did you feel a sudden pain while biting into your favorite food? That’s how quickly a dental emergency can ruin your day. Dental emergencies can strike at the worst times. You might experience it during a date, right before a flight, or in the middle of the night when everything’s closed.
While not all dental issues call for immediate care, some definitely do. Read this blog to learn about some common emergencies and how emergency dentists can help.
1. Knocked-Out Tooth Trouble
Trauma from a sports injury, fall, or even a collision can knock out a tooth completely. Here is what you can do:
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (not the root).
- If it’s dirty, rinse it briefly in water.
- Try placing it back in the socket if you can. Otherwise, store it in milk or inside your cheek.
- Get to an emergency dentist immediately.
Knocked-out teeth have the highest chance of survival if treated within 30 minutes to an hour.
2. Cracked or Fractured Tooth
A broken tooth doesn’t always look as serious as it is. Even a hairline crack can expose the tooth’s inner layers to bacteria, leading to pain or infection. Chewing ice, hard candy, or using your teeth as tools are common culprits. Watch out for these signs.
- Sharp pain when biting down
- Sensitivity to temperature
- Swelling around the tooth
You do need to see a dental professional for this issue.
3. Severe and Agonizing Toothache
Not every toothache means an emergency. However, a throbbing, persistent one that keeps you up at night or radiates into your jaw, neck, or ear is a red flag. This kind of pain often signals:
- A deep cavity
- Dental abscess
- Infected pulp inside the tooth
Infections can spread to your bloodstream, and that turns a dental problem into a medical emergency. An emergency dentist in Culver City can stop this from happening.
4. Dangerous Dental Abscess
A dental abscess can be very dangerous. This pocket of pus forms from a bacterial infection. Look out for:
- Swollen face or jaw
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Fever or general fatigue
- A bump or pimple on your gum
An abscess isn’t just a tooth problem. The infection can spread to other parts of your body, fast. Seek dental care as early as possible.
5. A Lost Filling or Crown
A filling or crown can fall out without warning, especially if it’s older or the tooth underneath has decayed. Here’s what can happen if you ignore it:
- The tooth becomes painfully sensitive
- Sharp edges cut your tongue or cheek
- Further damage to the exposed tooth
In the meantime, a piece of sugar-free gum or dental cement can serve as a temporary fix. Get to an emergency dentist as soon as you can.
6. Injuries From Broken Braces or Wires
Braces are meant to move your teeth. When wires snap or brackets pop off, they can cause serious discomfort and even derail your orthodontic treatment if not addressed quickly. Here are some ways to get relief
- Use orthodontic wax to cover sharp ends
- Clip a poking wire with sterilized nail clippers if it’s safe
- Don’t try to reposition wires or brackets on your own
Even if you’re not in pain, your broken orthodontic device requires attention as early as possible.
7. Bleeding Gums or Soft Tissue Injuries
If you’ve cut your tongue, lips, or cheeks badly enough that the bleeding won’t stop, that’s not normal. You do need to stop it to prevent further damage. Here are some tips to prevent blood loss:
- Rinse gently with warm salt water
- Apply pressure with clean gauze
- Use a cold compress outside your mouth
If the bleeding doesn’t slow down within 10-15 minutes, it’s time to seek emergency dental care.
There’s no perfect timing for a dental crisis. The longer you wait, the worse things tend to get. The good news? Emergency dental care exists for a reason. If you’re dealing with a situation that’s painful, don’t second-guess yourself.
Reach out to an emergency dentist to get relief from pain and avoid life-threatening conditions.
