Most Common Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency can happen at any time, and you need immediate dental care. At your earliest convenience, contact our office if any of these problems occur. 

There are numerous types of dental emergencies. The most common ones are:

Knocked-out Tooth

Traumatic injuries to the mouth can cause a tooth to be knocked out of its socket. If you can find your tooth, rinse it off with water to remove any debris or dirt before immediately placing it back into its socket while biting down gently on gauze to keep it in place. If you are not able to place the tooth back in its socket, keep it moist by placing it back in a cup of water or in a liquid such as milk until you can get to the dentist’s office. If you are unable to get to the dentist right away, you can use a cold compress outside of your mouth to reduce swelling and hold an ice pack to the outside of the mouth near the injury. Avoid using heat, aspirin, or topical pain relievers, as they can cause damage to the gums and delay treatment.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your emergency dentist if you or a loved one experiences a knocked-out tooth. They will be able to determine if there is an oral issue that needs to be addressed or if it is a simple problem that can be easily fixed with a dental crown or an implant.

Cracked Tooth

Cracked teeth are common and don’t always cause pain, but it’s important to see a dentist when you notice a crack in your tooth. If you have a large crack in your tooth or feel extreme pain in your teeth, you should call an emergency dentist. These dentists are on call and available to treat your emergency at any time.

A cracked tooth can be painful and dangerous if you don’t seek treatment. The cracked tooth can split apart even further if left untreated. This can cause the tooth to become infected and lead to more dental problems.

Common causes of cracked teeth are chewing on hard foods, grinding your teeth at night, teeth-grinding, clenching your teeth, blunt-force trauma to the face, biting down on something too hard, and having existing restorations that are no longer sound.

Chipped Tooth

A chipped or broken tooth can cause pain and discomfort while eating or drinking. If you have a broken tooth, you should call your dentist immediately and schedule an emergency appointment to have your damaged tooth restored as soon as possible. Your dentist can fix your chipped or broken tooth in several ways – ask your dentist which option is best for you!

Lost Filling

A lost filling is an emergency situation that needs to be addressed as soon as possible by a dentist. When a filling is lost, the cavity left by the removed material can progress and become painful and uncomfortable. A lost filling should be treated within the same day to prevent further deterioration of the tooth and surrounding tissue. It is important to call an emergency dentist as soon as you notice a lost filling, even if it occurs outside of regular office hours. The faster the filling can be replaced, the better the chances will be of saving the tooth and preventing further damage from the decay.

To learn more, call A Better Smile Dentistry at (505) 208-0505 and schedule an appointment with the dentist or visit us at 475 Coors Blvd NW, Ste A, Albuquerque, NM 87121.