Most Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies always occur at the least expected moments. A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate care but does not cause permanent damage to your teeth or your health. They are avoidable with preventive dental care, which includes brushing and flossing regularly, going to the dentist for routine dental checkups, etc.

Patients visit us with different sorts of dental emergencies. Some common reasons include the following:

Knocked-Out Tooth

If you knock out a tooth, your first priority is to maintain the tooth. Pick it up by the chewing surface and be careful not to touch the root. Gently rinse it off with water, but don’t scrub it. If possible, try to place it back in the socket and bite down on a wet towel to hold the tooth in place. If you can’t put it back in the socket, submerge it in a glass of milk until you can see your dentist.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

If a tooth is cracked or chipped, it’s critical to see your dentist as soon as possible. Even if it’s minor, it’s best to have your dentist look at it.

A broken or chipped tooth can be painful, especially when chewing or biting down on food. If the tooth continues to break, it’s susceptible to infection and bone loss. If the tooth is sharp, it can cut the cheeks or tongue. When a tooth is chipped, it’s best to avoid chewing on it to keep from cutting the cheeks or tongue.

Toothache

A toothache can be caused by several things, including tooth decay, an infected tooth, or injury to the tooth.

If you are suffering from a toothache, be sure to call our office to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, we recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers suggested by our dentist to help relieve the discomfort.

Loose Filling

A loose filling is one of the most common emergencies. When you have a loose filling, bacteria can enter your tooth, causing it to decay. A loose filling is not usually painful, but it can cause sensitivity. It can also cause food to be caught in your teeth, which can lead to bad breath. If you have a loose filling, contact your dentist right away. The sooner you get it fixed, the better.

Object Caught Between Teeth

If you catch something in your teeth, don’t try to remove it with sharp objects. This can cause damage. Instead, try rinsing your mouth with warm water. You can also apply a cold compress on your face to help bring down swelling. If your object is still bothering you, come in to see us as soon as you can.

If you ever face a dental emergency, our experts can help you to be relaxed and provide you with immediate oral care. Visit us at Rio Rancho Family Dental Care, 4041 Ridge Rock Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. You can call us at (505) 891-4510.