Try though you might, you can’t predict when an accident might occur and the same is true for your teeth! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the heat of the moment, but fortunately, your emergency dentist has experience handling all sorts of circumstances. If you’re wondering whether your urgent predicament constitutes an emergency, keep reading to learn about 3 common crises and how your dentist can help!
Emergency #1: Physical Trauma
Many athletes could tell you how their activities put their smiles in danger. An elbow to the jaw during a football game or a kick to the face during a martial arts match is enough to break your teeth or even dislodge them (especially without a mouthguard). If you find yourself in this scenario, do your best to save the piece or tooth that fell out and store it in a glass of milk or a baggy with some of your saliva. This helps keep it viable until you get to the dentist so they can attempt to repair it. If they’re unable to put it back, they’ll provide other restorative options like a dental crown or extraction and implant.
Emergency #2: Cracked Tooth
There are many reasons you might end up with a cracked tooth, whether you were knocked in the face or have been subconsciously grinding your teeth at night. Whatever the cause, the structure is impaired which makes it vulnerable to breaking further. On top of that, it’s also easier for bacteria to penetrate the tender pulp inside which leads to cavities. To avoid a possible root canal, your dentist might recommend a dental crown or porcelain veneers to cover the crack and shield your pearly white from further injury.
Emergency #3: Severe Toothache
You might not think an ache is enough to constitute an emergency, but the pain is often symptomatic of a larger problem. Gum abscesses and decayed teeth, for example, can cause severe discomfort. If you’re a young adult and the throbbing is in the back of your mouth, you might also have an impacted wisdom tooth that’s struggling to erupt. Your dentist will examine your condition and take X-rays to determine the culprit, then repair it accordingly. Whether you need a root canal or a tooth extraction, soon they’ll have your back on your feet and feeling pain-free.
If you’re not sure whether your situation counts as emergent, why not err on the side of caution and call your dentist? They’ll let you know either way and will set up an appropriate appointment time to address the issue.
About the Practice
Patients at Wolfe Dental Hillsboro benefit from a team of dental experts who provide a full range of oral healthcare services, including emergency dentistry. With state-of-the-art technology, they have the right equipment to meet your dental needs while minimizing outside referrals. They take most dental insurance plans and offer multiple sedation methods to patients of all ages, so you know you and your whole family are taken care of. If you’ve had an emergency and need help, you’re welcome to contact the office on the website or by calling (503) 844-6550.