Dental Emergencies

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?

Knowing whether or not your injury is a dental emergency is crucial. To determine this, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you experience intense pain?
• Are any of your teeth wobbly?
• Is there significant bleeding occurring for you?
• Are you experiencing any significant swelling in your mouth or face?
• Are there any knots or bulges in your gum tissue?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, it is highly probable that you are facing a dental emergency. It is imperative that you call (602) 468-1135 or contact 24th Street Dental Biltmore immediately to book an emergency appointment.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If a tooth gets knocked out, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. Dr. Donnelly, at 24th Street Dental Biltmore, has a high success rate in reinserting and preserving a knocked-out tooth if the correct steps are taken. It is crucial to schedule an emergency appointment within one hour of the incident for the best chances of saving the tooth.

When handling the tooth, make sure to hold it by the crown and avoid touching the roots. Rinse the tooth gently, without scrubbing or removing any tissue. If possible, carefully place the tooth back into the socket and bite down gently to hold it in place. If that is not an option, the tooth can be stored in a glass of milk, saliva, or water. Alternatively, you can keep the tooth between your cheek and gums. The most important thing is to keep the tooth moist.

Dr. Donnelly, at 24th Street Dental Biltmore, will attempt to re-insert the tooth as soon as possible, although this may be more challenging if there is damage to the tooth or bone. If the tooth is still intact, a splint will be used to immobilize it for several days. If the surrounding bone is not fractured, the root typically reattaches within three to four weeks, while more severe damage may require up to eight weeks for healing. If the tooth cannot be saved, 24th Street Dental Biltmore offers various restorative options to discreetly and reliably replace the missing tooth.

Chipped or Fractured Tooth

If a tooth is chipped without any pain, it is usually safe to wait a few days before seeing a dentist. However, caution should be taken when eating, as it could cause further damage to the tooth. Minor chips can often be smoothed out by a dentist, while larger chips may require the use of resin composite material to restore the tooth’s shape and function.

On the other hand, a cracked or fractured tooth is a more serious issue. It typically indicates that damage has occurred not just on the outside, but also on the inside of the tooth. In severe cases, the tooth may not be salvageable. If you have a fracture, it is important to rinse your mouth gently with warm water. You can take acetaminophen to alleviate any pain, and if there is facial trauma, a cold compress can help reduce swelling. An x-ray may be necessary to determine the extent of the damage.

If the pulp of the tooth is unaffected, a dental crown may be all that is needed. However, if the pulp is damaged, a root canal may be required.

Call (602) 468-1135 immediately to schedule appt.