A dental emergency is a serious dental issue that requires immediate attention. If left untreated, a dental emergency can worsen and cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums. 

Types of Dental Emergencies

Toothache

Teeth can ache for many reasons, from decay to tooth grinding. However, if the pain is unbearable or if you notice other symptoms at the same time, such as swelling in the face or face draining, it may be a sign of an infection. If this occurs, contact a dentist as soon as possible to avoid further complications.

Broken or Chipped Teeth

In an accident, teeth can break or chip into tiny pieces. If you can find the pieces, rinse them gently with warm water and place them in a small container of milk or your saliva while you make your way to the dentist’s office. For a cracked tooth, it’s best to handle the tooth as little as possible and avoid chewing with the damaged tooth until you can see a dentist. Your dentist will most likely suggest a dental crown for a broken or chipped tooth to prevent it from further damage.

Knocked-out Tooth

When a permanent tooth is knocked out, it needs immediate treatment by a dentist. The faster you can get to the dentist, the better your chances are of saving the tooth. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water. Do not scrub or clean the tooth root. Try to place the tooth back in its socket. If that’s not possible, store the tooth in a container with whole milk or water as a last resort before seeking emergency dental treatment.

Loosened Teeth

A tooth that has loosened does not always require an emergency visit but should be examined as soon as possible. Decay can affect the bones that support your teeth, and this can cause them to loosen over time. If you have a loosening tooth, we will perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of the problem and what treatment is needed to fix it.

Ways to Prevent Dental Emergencies

The best way to avoid emergency dental hygiene needs is to commit to regular appointments with our office. During these visits, we will be able to examine your smile and catch any developing issues before they become larger problems.

The other way is to practice good oral hygiene habits at home. Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day, for at least two minutes each time. Don’t forget to floss your teeth each day too! This helps to remove plaque buildup from the surface of your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque that is not removed can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Schedule an appointment at our dental office as soon as you notice anything unusual with your teeth! We’re always happy to help patients recover quickly from any dental emergency. To learn more, visit the dentist in Topeka, KS - Frank N. Johnson, D.D.S., P.A. at 1244 SW Oakley Ave, Topeka, KS 66604, or call (785) 357-7706.