Emergency Dentistry
Common Types of Dental Emergencies
Tooth Avulsion or Knocked-Out Teeth: An avulsed tooth is when a tooth is dislodged from its socket. Avulsed teeth require immediate treatment. To save your tooth, try reinserting your tooth into its socket right away. If the avulsed tooth is treated within 30 minutes to one hour, you will have the best chance of success.
Cracked Teeth: Discomfort from a cracked tooth is cause for immediate concern. Depending on the level of your pain, you may not be able to go about your normal schedule. However, take note that the pain is only a warning sign; the biggest worry we have about cracked teeth is what the damage can do to them and the rest of your oral health. If left untreated, a cracked tooth can lead to tooth decay, and ultimately tooth loss.
Fractured or Chipped Teeth: A fractured or cracked tooth occurs due to age, tooth grinding, trauma and other factors. You may notice pain, sensitivity and swelling. Dr. Hayden has several methods to treat a fracture, depending on the crack’s location and severity. A chipped tooth may cause pain or sensitivity. Treatment may vary depending on the size and location of the chipped tooth.
Loose or Missing Fillings: When a filling is loose or missing, this leaves your vulnerable tooth exposed to oral bacteria, which can lead to further decay and infection. Exposure to these things will inflame and irritate the dentin and nerves, causing pain and discomfort.
You also run the risk of your food finding its way into the tooth via the gap left by the loose filling. Failure to fix your fillings will result in oral discomfort and dental problems like tooth decay and advanced infections. A loose or damaged filling can even lead to a root canal infection.
Broken or Detached Crowns: A broken or detached crown may be a dental emergency if it is causing severe pain or irritation. In many cases, you may need to wait a day or two for an appointment to repair the tooth. Dr. Hayden’s office will be able to tell you if you need to be seen right away depending on the state of the tooth.
Swollen Jaw: Swelling in the jaw is an indication of a severe infection that could be affecting your salivary glands. If you are experiencing a swollen jaw combined with a bad taste in your mouth, fever, and any other problems, you should call the office immediately to schedule an emergency appointment. If swelling is causing difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to an ER immediately.
Pericoronitis: Pericoronitis is when the soft tissue becomes swollen and infected around the wisdom teeth causing inflammation and discomfort. Dr Hayden can diagnose the issue, provide antibiotics to aid with the infection and pain, and then can refer you to an oral surgeon if deemed necessary.
We Realize That No One Plans
On a Dental Emergency
These situations usually come up at the worst time possible.
Here at Hayden Dental Group, we are dedicated to helping you as quickly as possible. Call us as soon as your dental emergency arises. We will do everything we can to get you into our office as quickly as possible to evaluate the problem.
