Most Common Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency is a situation in which there is severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, severe bleeding, or a broken jaw. When these situations occur, it is essential to seek emergency dental care. 

If you suffer from dental anxiety, you may be more prone to dental emergencies. However, most dental emergencies are avoidable with good oral health habits and regular visits with a dentist.

Some most commonly seen dental emergencies are:

Knocked-out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is a very serious dental emergency. It is essential to call an emergency dentist right away. The sooner a knocked-out tooth is re-implanted, the better. The best re-implantation techniques require a dentist to have quick access to a knocked-out tooth. If a dentist has to re-implant a knocked-out tooth, there might not be enough of the tooth left.

When a tooth is knocked out, the dentist will rinse off the tooth, re-implant the tooth into the socket, and splint the tooth in place. If you are unable to do this, you can place the tooth in a cup of milk or saliva to keep it moist. The knocked-out tooth should be given immediate dental care.

Cracked or Broken Tooth

When a cracked or broken tooth is present, preventing further damage to the tooth is critical. If your tooth is cracked or broken, please contact our office as soon as you can. Until you reach our office, you can apply a cold compress or ice pack to the face in the location of the damaged tooth to minimize pain and swelling.

Lost Filling or Crown

A lost crown or filling can cause discomfort or pain, depending on whether it is in the front or back of your mouth. Make sure to see a dental professional right away so that the issue can be addressed and corrected.

Bitten Lip or Tongue

An unexpected injury, even a minor one, can be a painful experience. If you’ve bitten your lip or tongue, rinse your mouth with salt water and apply a cold compress or ice pack to the area. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 20 minutes, you should contact our office right away. You should also seek immediate dental attention if you have bitten through your tongue or lip or bitten through your tongue or lip.

Objects Caught Between Teeth

When you lose an object between your teeth, it can be embarrassing. You may also find it irritating and uncomfortable, especially if you are unable to remove it yourself. This is when a dental emergency arises.

While you are waiting to see your dentist, try flossing around the area. If this doesn’t work, try using dental flossers, which have small heads, to get into the space. You can also use a toothpick, but be careful not to push too hard, or you could damage your gums.

Contact Vasquez & Associates Dental Office if you have any questions about emergency dentistry. You can schedule a consultation by calling (760) 529-5339 or visiting us at 3601 Vista Way Ste 105, Oceanside, CA 92056.