3 Common Dental Emergencies and What to Expect

No one can anticipate when an accident or emergency might happen, and our teeth are no exception. There are unfortunately a multitude of ways you could end up with a dental emergency. It can be hard to know what to do in the heat of the moment when you’re dealing with an injury or toothache. If you’re aware of what to expect in advance, however, you might be better able to help yourself if you ever do have one. That’s why we’ve put together this brief list of 3 common emergency issues your dentist sees and how they can treat them.

Emergency #1: Broken Teeth

Cracked or chipped teeth can be both painful as well as risky for your oral health. It’s not uncommon for someone to injure a tooth by biting into something hard like ice, nuts, or bone. It’s important to get to the dentist as soon as possible to address it. Otherwise, harmful bacteria can penetrate through the crack to the insides of your tooth, leading to infection.

In many cases, dental crowns are used to repair the break. Your dentist can remove the damaged portion of your tooth and create a tooth-shaped cap to cover it. It’s securely bonded and provides your vulnerable pearly white with added protection.

Emergency #2: Lost Dental Filling

Did you know that about 90% of adults aged 20 or older have had at least one cavity? Cavities are treated with some form of filling so that the tooth is protected, and decay doesn’t progress. That means there are a lot of people with fillings, which can become worn down, loose, or displaced over time. When they do, it leaves the tender pulp and roots exposed to germs and food particles in your mouth. This can cause quite a bit of discomfort and also carries the risk of further injury.

Your dentist can often replace the filling with dental bonding. They will place a putty-like resin material on your tooth to fill and shape it so that it looks just like your natural teeth.

Emergency #3: Toothache

Toothaches are incredibly common but don’t usually resolve on their own. There are different causes and all of them require your dentist’s attention. Cavities and cracks can lead to an infection in the tender pulp inside your teeth. This generally comes with some serious throbbing that won’t go away without your dentist’s help. In many cases, a root canal allows them to remove the disease causing you so much agony. What a relief!

Hopefully, you never find yourself in the unfortunate position of calling your dentist about an emergency. If you ever do, though, at least now you have a better idea of what to expect!

About the Author

Dr. George T. Philip earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 2003. He purchased his own practice in 2004 and has been improving patient’s smiles ever since. If you have a dental emergency, he and his dedicated dental team will provide first-aid tips over the phone. You can also make a same-day appointment to get help right away. You can reach the office on the website or by calling (972) 285-6144.