What Is a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies can strike when you least expect them, causing pain and distress. Understanding what constitutes a dental emergency can help you take prompt action and minimize potential complications. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand which dental issues require immediate attention.

Defining a Dental Emergency

Ultimately, a dental emergency involves any oral issue that requires immediate treatment to alleviate pain, prevent infection, or save a tooth. These situations typically occur unexpectedly and you cannot wait for a regular dental appointment.

Examples of Common Dental Emergencies

If you experience any of the following, you’re likely experiencing a dental emergency:

• Severe Mouth Pain – Persistent tooth pain or gum pain, especially intense pain, indicates an underlying problem, such as an abscess or tooth decay.
• Loose or Knocked-Out Tooth – If a permanent tooth is loose or completely knocked out, it’s crucial to act quickly to save your tooth.
• Fractured Tooth – A cracked or broken tooth can expose nerves and lead to severe pain.
• Broken Restoration or Dentures – Damaged crowns put underlying teeth at risk for infection, and broken dentures can make it difficult to obtain proper nutrition.
• Bleeding Gums – If your gums are bleeding excessively and won’t stop, it might indicate gum disease or an injury.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

In any emergency, staying calm is essential so you an act quickly and carefully. Panicking can make the situation worse. If you find yourself in a dental emergency, be sure to:

1. Contact an Emergency Dentist Near You – Immediately call a dentist that offers emergency dentistry to explain your situation. They can advise you about whether you should come in for an emergency appointment or if you can wait for a later time.
2. Address Pain and Swelling – Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses can help manage pain and swelling while you await treatment.
3. Follow Instructions – When dealing with a knocked-out tooth, keep it moist in milk, water, or saliva to increase the chances of successful re-implantation. If you are experiencing another type of dental emergency, our team will provide you with instructions until your appointment.

Emergency Dentist in Memphis, TN

At Raleigh Dental Group, we place a strong emphasis on preventive dentistry to help patients’ smiles remain strong and healthy so they are less likely to experience a dental emergency. However, we also offer emergency dental care! Recognizing a dental emergency and knowing how to respond can preserve your oral health. To learn more about dental emergencies and how to avoid them, please get in touch with our office!

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Categorised in: Dental Emergencies