Types of Dental Emergencies

Accidents happen! Sometimes, they cause severe tooth damage that requires immediate attention. Other times, sudden dental pain is a sign that something is wrong, even if there's no obvious injury. Either way, you can call us anytime if you're in pain or worried about the health of your teeth. We'll do our best to see you the same day so that you can get the relief you need. 

Here are the most common dental emergencies:

Toothache

When you have a toothache, your first priority should be to find an emergency dentist's office near you. Until you are able to meet with a dentist, there are a few things that you can do to relieve your pain. Apply a cold compress to the area outside of your cheek and jaw where the pain is radiating from. This can help numb the nerves and reduce swelling. You can also try rinsing your mouth with salt water or a warm saltwater solution. Rinsing with a mouthwash containing alcohol can actually increase pain, so avoid those. You can also apply an over-the-counter pain reliever to the affected area. 

Knocked-Out Tooth

While rare, sometimes teeth can fall out due to trauma or other reasons. If this happens to you, it's important to handle the tooth properly in the event of a knocked-out tooth. First, find your tooth and pick it up by the top portion, not the roots. Try not to touch the root of the tooth and leave it as is. Next, rinse it gently with water to remove any dirt or debris on the root surface. Finally, try placing the tooth back into its socket and gently bite down to keep it in place until you can see your emergency dentist. If this isn't possible, store it in a cup of milk or an ADA-approved solution like Save-a-Tooth. However, don't put the tooth in water because the root surface cells can be damaged.

If you have any further questions about what to do for a knocked-out tooth, call our emergency dental office to schedule an appointment. Our dentists will help restore your smile as soon as possible!

Broken or Fractured Tooth

When a tooth is fractured, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. If the tooth breaks in such a way that the nerve is exposed or damaged, it will likely require root canal therapy. A dental crown can restore a broken or cracked tooth so that it looks natural and functions normally again.

Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth is a painful condition that requires immediate treatment from a dentist. When bacteria leave plaque on a tooth, it eventually infects the pulp and roots of the tooth. This causes an infection that can spread to the bloodstream. Bacteria in the bloodstream can cause life-threatening infections.

If you experience facial swelling or pain in your mouth, it may be a sign of an abscessed tooth. Call your dentist right away to schedule an appointment. Antibiotics can clear up the infection before it spreads to other parts of the body. 

Find out more about dental emergencies by scheduling an appointment at the Rio Rancho Family Dental Care clinic. Call us at (505) 891-4510 or drop in at our dental office, located at 4041 Ridge Rock Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.