Dental emergencies can happen within an instant and come with numerous inconveniences. A chipped tooth due to excessive hard biting, a sudden toothache, or even a knocked-out tooth. When these situations arise, taking prompt action plays a crucial role. Moreover, it is crucial that you reach out to a dentist as soon as possible, as they know how to treat your oral mishaps and provide relief from pain. Interested to know some of the dental mishaps and how a retired dental practitioner can help.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
These are some of the most common dental emergencies. The severity of the impact determines the ideal treatment option.
Small Chip
Even if a minor chip might not seem to be a big deal, it can affect your smile and can cause further damage. However, an emergency dentist in Chandler can repair a small chip using the following:
- Bonding Material: It is an effective and painless method that restores the function and shape of your tooth.
Large Carck or Break
If the crack or break is more significant, here are some of the procedures a dental practitioner might recommend:
- Dental Crowns: These dental caps cover and protect the damaged tooth, restoring its function and appearance.
- Root Canal Therapy: If the crack extends deep into the tooth, it exposes the nerve or pulp. A root canal treatment is necessary to remove the damaged tissue and prevent infection.
- Tooth Extraction: In severe cases where the tooth is beyond repair, removing it may be the only option. Following this, a dental surgeon can suggest dental implants to replace the lost tooth.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Losing a tooth unexpectedly can be distressing. However, when you take prompt action, you can probably save it.
What to Do Immediately?
- Handle the tooth carefully: make sure you pick it up by the crown and not the root.
- Keep it moist: Place it in a container of milk or hold it in your mouth between your gums and cheek. This is important because saliva keeps the root alive.
- Visit a dentist within an hour or earlier: The sooner you visit the dentist Chandler, the more the chances of reattachment.
Treatment Options
In cases when reattachment is not possible, a professional oral care provider can recommend dental implants or partial dentures to restore your smile.
Toothache or Dental Abscess
Continuous tooth pain is often a sign of an underlying problem that requires prompt attention.
Mild to Moderate Toothache
- Rinse with warm water: This helps in cleaning the debris that causes irritation.
- Gently floss: Food particles stuck between teeth can also be a major cause.
Abscessed Tooth
If your toothache is accompanied by swelling, fever, or pus, it can be a dental abscess. It is a serious infection that requires immediate care. Some of these treatment options that a dental surgeon can suggest for this issue are:
- Drainage of the abscess.
- Depending on the severity, either extraction or root canal therapy may be necessary.
- Antibiotics to combat the infection.
Do not ignore the signs of abscess as it can cause serious complications like spread of infection to other parts of the body.
Lost Crown or Filling
If you lose a filling or crown, it is crucial to reach out to a Chandler dentist immediately to prevent further damage.
Temporary Solutions
- Use a sugar-free gum or dental wax: This protects the exposed area until you get professional treatment.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth: This prevents additional stress on the affected tooth.
Long-Term Fix
Your dental care provider will either repair or replace it by restoring the appearance and function of your tooth.
If you experience a dental emergency, make sure you contact an oral care provider immediately. Many dental offices provide same-day or after-hours emergency services to get care when you need it the most. If you find picking a reliable dentist for dental emergency or other necessary oral care, book an appointment at Canyon State Dental today!