Some dental problems may seem like emergencies, but they may not require urgent care. For example, a toothache can be relieved by rinsing with warm water and taking over-the-counter painkillers. A broken tooth can happen for a variety of reasons. You may bite down on something hard or a crack could develop because of underlying decay. Either way, it is important to see an emergency dentist near me as soon as possible in order to treat the problem and prevent further issues.
Generally speaking, only severe dental injuries classify as emergencies and should be treated immediately. However, a 24-hour dentist can treat minor injuries that cannot wait until normal business hours.
Toothache
Toothache is pain in and around the teeth and jaws. The pain can be mild or severe. It may be caused by food or drink. It can also be a sign of a broken tooth or a sinus infection. If the pain does not go away, it is important to call your dentist.
A toothache usually occurs when the pulp inside a tooth is irritated. This is the soft tissue and nerves inside the center of the tooth. The pulp is sensitive to temperature changes and can be irritated by hot or cold foods or drinks, dental cavities, trauma, or infection. It can also be caused by a sinus infection or referred pain from another area, such as the jaw.
If you have a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water to wash away any wedged food and take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin or acetaminophen. You can also try a home remedy such as rinsing with salt water or chewing on a piece of garlic to help reduce the pain.
Broken Tooth
Your emergency dentist will repair the break with a dental filling or crown depending on the severity of the fracture. The dentist will also fix any cracked or chipped teeth to prevent further damage.
If you have a cracked tooth, rinse your mouth with water or saline solution to remove any debris. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth or using a toothbrush to prevent the crack from worsening.
If you have a broken tooth, rinse it under cold water and place the remaining piece of the tooth in a glass of milk or saline solution until you can reach an emergency dentist. You should apply pressure to stop any bleeding.
Infected Tooth
An infected tooth, or a dental abscess, is one of the most serious dental emergencies. It happens when bacteria invade a tooth’s root or the space between the gum and the tooth. The infection may cause pain, throbbing and swelling in the jaw or face. It may also spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
Bacteria that infects a tooth’s enamel can progress to the softer layer underneath, called dentin. This is when the bacteria can attack the nerves in a tooth and cause an abscess.
If you suspect an abscessed tooth, rinse your mouth with lukewarm water and take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. You can also place a cold compress on the jaw or cheek to reduce pain and swelling. A dentist may drain a tooth abscess to help alleviate pain and pressure. They may then prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection if it has spread beyond the abscessed area.
Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can be caused by a variety of dental and medical issues. It can also be a sign of more serious problems, such as a sinus infection or trigeminal neuralgia. It is best to see an emergency dentist if the jaw pain is constant and severe.
An emergency dentist will perform a physical exam of your mouth, teeth, TM joint, neck, and shoulders. They will ask questions about the pain, when it started, and if there are any triggers. This will help them determine the cause of your pain and the appropriate treatment.
A cracked or chipped tooth can be a dental emergency. Sports injuries, biting down on hard foods, and accidents can all cause a tooth to break or crack. Rinse your mouth and take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce swelling and pain. If your tooth is knocked out, rinse it gently in milk or saline solution and bring it with you to the dentist.