4 All-Too-Common Dental Emergencies That Everyone Should Be Aware Of

Dental emergencies can strike at any time, and they can come in many different forms. It’s important to have such issues treated quickly, but that means you need to be able to recognize them for the urgent problems that they are. Below are 4 common examples of dental emergencies; if you ever experience any of these situations, call your dentist right away to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

1. A Fractured Tooth

While teeth are very strong, it’s still possible for them to break if you get hit in the mouth or bite down on a hard object. In many cases, the damage can leave the pulp inside the tooth exposed to attacks from harmful oral bacteria, which can ultimately result in an infection. A fractured tooth can often be repaired with a dental crown; however, it might have to be replaced entirely if the damage is too severe.

2. A Filling That Fell Off the Tooth

Losing a filling may not seem like a major issue at first. However, if the problem is not addressed in time, you could eventually develop an infection in the tooth. Your dentist will often be able to place a new filling, but if an infection does occur, a root canal treatment may be required to save the tooth from an extraction.

3. A Toothache That Won’t Go Away

There are many different kinds of tooth pain that can occur for a variety of reasons. A toothache that won’t go away and causes a constant throbbing sensation is often a side effect of an infection and thus warrants an emergency dental appointment. Your dentist can examine the tooth to determine what the true source of the pain is and point you toward your best options for relief, which may include root canal treatment and other services.

4. Trauma That Results in a Knocked-Out Tooth

Getting hit in the mouth can potentially result in a tooth being knocked out. You will need to act immediately if you want to have any chance of saving your tooth, since the window of opportunity for doing so is very narrow. The sooner you get to your dentist’s office, the sooner they can try and reimplant it into your jaw. Note that if the tooth cannot be saved, there are multiple ways to replace it so that you can continue to enjoy the benefits of a complete smile.

These are, of course, just a few examples of dental issues that can call for emergency care. Even if you’re not sure that the problem in your mouth is truly urgent, reach out to your dentist anyway so that they can help you determine whether an emergency appointment is required.

About the Practice

At Davidson Dental Associates, our team includes multiple dentists and specialists who are able to provide our patients with a comprehensive menu of dental services in just one convenient location. We always strive to hold emergency appointments as soon as we can so that you can find relief sooner. To schedule a consultation at our practice in Washington, DC, visit our website or call (202) 775-0022.