A dental emergency can happen at any time to anyone. It is crucial to know the steps to tackling a dental emergency which can help reduce further complications. Listed below are common dental emergencies that happen to people.

Dental Abscess

An abscessed tooth is a painful infection of the tooth pulp. If left untreated, the infection can spread into the surrounding bone and gum. Symptoms of an abscessed tooth include pain, redness and swelling of the gum around the affected area. Treatment for an abscessed tooth includes root canal therapy. In some cases, an abscessed tooth may need to be extracted.

Cracked/Chipped Tooth

A cracked or broken tooth is a dental emergency. It is important to contact your dentist immediately for treatment. If left untreated, your tooth could be more susceptible to infection.

There are a number of reasons why a tooth could be cracked or broken. Trauma, such as being hit in the mouth or falling, can cause a tooth to crack. Cracks can also form from grinding your teeth, biting down on hard foods or from normal wear-and-tear.

If you injure your mouth, apply ice to the outside of your mouth. Contact your dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your tooth and mouth.

Broken Jaw

A broken jaw is a serious injury that requires immediate emergency treatment. If left untreated, a broken jaw can lead to complications, including infection, a misaligned bite and open wounds. Most broken jaws are caused by car accidents or sports-related injuries. Some patients may require oral surgeries to treat a broken jaw.

Dental Crown/Bridge Falls Out

A crown or bridge that has come off may be able to be re-cemented back onto the tooth. However, if it has been more than 30 minutes, the crown or bridge may be damaged and should be replaced. If the tooth is sensitive, be sure to avoid hot or cold foods and beverages until the tooth is re-cemented.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is a common dental emergency. If you can find the tooth, hold it by the crown and rinse it off with warm water. Do not touch the root, as handling may damage cells necessary for reattachment. If you cannot find the missing tooth, hold the tooth socket with gauze soaked in warm water. If the tooth cannot be replanted, keep it moist until you can come into the office.

Stockton Creative Dental offers comprehensive dental care services, including in-house teeth whitening in Stockton, CA. For more details and appointments, call us at (209) 466-5000, book online, or visit us at 2043 E, Fremont St. #8 Stockton, CA 9.