Dental Emergencies

What kind of issue is considered a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies can include any issue that needs immediate or urgent care and attention to relieve pain and other symptoms, correct damage or prevent additional damage from occurring. Some emergencies should be attended to immediately while others may be able to wait until the next business day, with pain and discomfort managed with over-the-counter medication and ice packs. Some examples of dental emergencies include:

• Toothache

• Swollen or tender gums

• Abscess

• Broken or lost filling, crown or veneer

• Broken or lost denture, bridge or implant

• A tooth that's been knocked out

• Cracked, chipped or broken teeth

• Any issue that involves trauma to the teeth or soft structures of the mouth

If a tooth is knocked out, can it be placed back in my mouth?

As long as the tooth is healthy and you receive immediate care, the tooth may be able to be saved. Try to slip the tooth back into the socket or place it between your cheek and gum while on your way to our office or a local emergency room, and do NOT touch the root end.

What steps can I take to prevent dental emergencies from occurring?

First, be sure to wear a mouth guard when playing any type of sport or when engaged in any activity that could result in an impact to the mouth or jaw. Second, see the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Teeth and gums that are healthy and sound are less prone to damage than those that are weakened by decay or disease. Do not delay restorative work like fillings or crowns that can help preserve the tooth structure. Avoid chewing ice or hard candy, and stay away from really sticky foods like toffee that can cause suction and loosen or pull out fillings and other restorative work. And of course, never use your teeth as tools to pry off lids or perform other tasks.