
It could happen in a moment. Maybe you play a sport, get hit in the face, and lose a tooth. Maybe you wake up with a tooth infection, or you bite down on hard candy and crack a tooth. Whatever the reason, you now have a dental emergency. Dental emergencies are like any other emergency: they are unpredictable and unplanned.
At Ponderosa Dental Group, we understand the urgency of these injuries. Although we do not have evening hours, we will make every effort to see you on the same day as your emergency.
Common Dental Emergencies
Like all medical issues, the first step is to identify the problem. For many, this can be difficult when it comes to dental emergencies because our mouths are a complex combination of hard and soft tissue, making them a unique blend of durable and sensitive.
The following is a list of some of the most common dental emergencies that should be treated as soon as possible:
Knocked Out Tooth
Our teeth are incredibly tough, but they can still get dislodged. From workplace accidents, a bad sports injury, or plain bad luck, dental trauma that causes a tooth to become loose or fully detached from its socket is considered a dental emergency.
But don’t worry! Contact our office immediately. If the tooth can be recovered and by acting quickly, there is a good chance we can save the tooth and restore your smile.
What Do I Do with a Dislodged Tooth?
Make sure you never hold a knocked-out tooth by the root. Holding it wrong may make it impossible to save. Gently rinse the tooth with cool water to clean off debris and keep it moist. Try to put it back in the socket. If that does not work, try to keep it in a cup of milk.
Rinse your mouth out with warm water, use gauze to stem the bleeding, and come see us during the first 30 minutes after the tooth is knocked out. A quick visit to our office can result in positive results.
Cut Lips, Cheeks, or Gums
A cut in or around our mouths can be scary because of how delicate the soft tissue is; these injuries not only hurt but can also bleed quite a bit. Thankfully, most don’t need professional attention.
However, a cut can be considered a dental emergency under certain circumstances: If you cannot stop the bleeding, the injury has caused a visible space in the tissue (a hole, gap, or wide cut), or there are signs of infection.
How Do I Treat These Cuts?
Rinse mouth with warm water and apply gauze to the cut to prevent more bleeding. If there are signs of swelling, a cold compress may help as well. Contact our office and we will offer further instructions as well as schedule you for an emergency visit.
Please keep in mind we value the safety and well-being of our patients: if you are still bleeding after applying gaze and pressure for 10 minutes or the nature of your injury has you feeling dizzy or nauseated, contact emergency services immediately.
Abscessed Tooth
A dental abscess can form at the base of the tooth, along the gums, or attach itself to a tooth’s root. They look similar to blisters but are actually caused by bacterial infections, often filled with pus.
They are considered a dental emergency for many reasons. First, they are often the symptom of late-stage dental decay or periodontal infections, meaning your oral health is already at risk. Secondly, they can put you in danger by causing fevers, swelling, and sinus infections. Lastly, the harmful bacteria that cause them can spread quickly.
What to Do if You Notice a Dental Abscess
While a dental abscess may look like a blister or pimple it is important that you do not agitate, lance, or pop it at home. This will release the infected fluid and pus inside; this will not only give the infection a chance to spread, but the abscess will likely return since it wasn’t properly treated.
Instead, rinse your mouth with warm water regularly. Over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs can help with pain and cold compresses can keep swelling to a minimum. But most importantly, contact our office so we can get you in for immediate treatment!
Broken or Cracked Tooth
A broken or cracked tooth is more than just a cosmetic issue. If the enamel of your teeth is severely damaged, it is only a matter of time before your tooth fully fractures or the interior of your tooth becomes infected. The longer you wait to fix this, the more danger your oral health is in which is why it is considered a dental emergency.
What Should I Do if I Notice a Damaged Tooth?
If your tooth has been noticeably damaged after an accident or you are experiencing dental discomfort that disrupts your day-to-day activities, do not hesitate to give our office a call. We will be able to give more detailed instructions after understanding your situation and book you an appointment as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, try to protect your tooth from further damage by avoiding hard or chewy foods. If you are experiencing irritation while chewing, there are over-the-counter numbing medications and gels you can apply.
The Benefits of Emergency Dental Treatment
Emergency dentists have experience with urgent matters and can usually help you when an emergency arises. Time can be a critical factor when it comes to your oral health; getting treatment quickly can mean the difference between saving a tooth and needing to replace a tooth!
Don’t Wait for an Emergency!
At Ponderosa Dental Group, we take every emergency seriously. We will always do our best to help you. Do not put off treatment, when you can get relief now! If you or a loved one are in Missoula County or the nearby area and need dental assistance quickly, contact our office right away.