The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Whether an excruciating toothache wakes you in the middle of the night or a soccer ball knocks a tooth out of your mouth, dental disasters can strike at any time. While a dull toothache or painless chip can wait for office hours, significant pain or bleeding demands emergency care. Stay calm and trust the right emergency dentist to get your oral health back on track quickly and permanently.
Individuals and families in need of emergency oral care can trust Hillcrest Dental. Since 1953, our team has provided top-quality dental services to residents of Ruckersville, VA. Our personalized treatment plans and emphasis on customer satisfaction give every patient something to smile about. To learn more about our dental care, call (434) 973-2224 today!
Below, we discuss the most frequent dental emergencies we see:
A Severe Toothache
Pain in or near teeth can range in severity and generally signals a need for care. While some toothaches are mild and caused by teeth grinding or plaque build-up, a toothache that interrupts your daily life should arouse concern. Agonizing toothaches can indicate serious dental issues such as:
- Cavities
- Abscesses
- Tooth Damage
- Gum disease
If you are experiencing a severe toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress on the outside of the affected area. Then, call an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Broken Teeth
Tooth chips, cracks, and fractures may result from chewing hard foods or colliding with a hard surface. While a minor, painless chip is no emergency, severe cracking and constant pain demand immediate attention. Following the initial accident, save any broken tooth fragments and stem bleeding with gauze before contacting your emergency dentist.
Knocked-Out Teeth
While losing a tooth as a kid is exciting, losing one as an adult is an emergency. If it happens to you, collect and gently rinse the tooth with cold water. Try to place the knocked-out tooth back in its socket or keep it in a glass of milk, which will protect your tooth until a professional can restore it. A dentist has the best chance of successful replantation within a few hours after injury, so you must act quickly.
An Abscess
A result of bacteria entering a tooth near its root, dental abscesses are small pus-filled pockets that often resemble boils or pimples. These infections can have damage surrounding tissue and teeth. Signs of a dental abscess include toothache, swollen face, foul mouth odor, and fever. See a dentist as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms, as a neglected infection may spread to other parts of the body.
A Soft Tissue Injury
Soft tissue injuries can qualify as dental emergencies, especially in the case of excessive or continuous bleeding. If you injure your cheek, mouth, or tongue, promptly contact an emergency dentist or go to an emergency room if the condition is life-threatening. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with salt water, apply pressure to the wound, and hold a cold compress to the affected area.
Emergency Dentist in Ruckersville, VA!
In the case of a dental emergency, quick action and professional care are essential to prevent further damage and ensure the best outcome for your oral health. In Ruckersville, VA, individuals seeking a reliable emergency dentist can look to Hillcrest Dental. Our team provides personalized, patient-first care to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Learn more about our dental care or receive a free smile consultation by calling (434) 973-2224!
