Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, whether it’s a sudden accident, a sports injury, or intense tooth pain that won’t go away. Emergency dental care is crucial for addressing these issues promptly and preventing further damage. At The Foleck Center, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful and painful, which is why we offer immediate care in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton Kecoughtan, and Hampton Coliseum to help you when you need it most.
Let’s explore some of these issues in more detail, and what you can do to manage your symptoms before seeing a professional.
What Is Emergency Dental Care?
Emergency dental care refers to dental services that are provided immediately after an urgent oral health event. This could involve an accident that causes trauma to your teeth or gums, as well as severe, persistent pain or infections. The goal of this type of care is to relieve pain, prevent further damage, and preserve as much of your affected mouth’s original structure as possible. Some dental issues, like a broken tooth or severe infection, can quickly become much worse without immediate treatment.
Common Dental Emergencies That Require Immediate Care
1. Knocked-Out Teeth (Avulsed Teeth)
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most common dental emergencies, especially for children and athletes. It can happen from a fall, an accident, or a sports injury.
-
What to do: If your tooth is knocked out, it’s crucial to act quickly. Rinse the tooth briefly with cow’s milk or your own saliva to clean it (avoid scrubbing), and try to place it back into the socket if possible. If you can’t reinsert it, store the tooth in a container with milk or saliva to keep it moist.
-
When to seek care: You should seek dental care right away. A knocked-out tooth can often be saved if treated within an hour or two.
2. Severe Tooth Pain or Pressure
Tooth pain can vary from a mild ache to intense, throbbing discomfort. Severe pain or pressure in your teeth may be a sign of a dental infection, tooth abscess, or severe decay. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to even more serious complications, such as swelling or the spread of infection.
-
What to do: If you experience severe tooth pain or pressure, try taking over-the-counter pain medication (like ibuprofen) to manage your symptoms until you can see a dentist. Applying a cold compress to your face can help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
-
When to seek care: If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, pus, or fever, you should seek emergency dental care right away. These symptoms may indicate a tooth abscess or infection that requires immediate attention to prevent it from spreading.
3. Broken or Cracked Teeth
A broken or cracked tooth can be caused by biting down on something hard, a sports injury, or even untreated tooth decay.
-
What to do: If you break or crack a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. You can apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and manage any discomfort. If there are any sharp edges from the broken tooth, you can use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover them until you can see your dentist.
-
When to seek care: A broken or cracked tooth can lead to further damage or infection if left untreated, so it’s important to seek care as soon as possible. If the tooth is severely damaged, your dentist may need to perform a root canal or place a crown to restore the tooth.
4. Lost or Loose Fillings and Crowns
Fillings and crowns can become loose or fall out due to wear and tear over time. If you lose a filling or crown, the exposed tooth may become sensitive to air, food, and temperature changes.
-
What to do: If your filling or crown falls out, try to save it and bring it with you to your dentist appointment. You can temporarily use dental cement (available at most drugstores) to secure the crown or filling in place until you can get professional treatment.
-
When to seek care: If a crown or filling falls out, seek care promptly to prevent further damage to the tooth like infection or decay.
5. Gum Infections or Abscesses
A dental abscess is an infection at the root of a tooth or in the gum tissue surrounding it. It typically results from untreated tooth decay, a broken tooth, or gum disease.
-
What to do: If you notice a swelling, painful bump near your tooth, or experience a bad taste in your mouth, it may be a sign of a dental abscess. Warm saltwater rinses can help soothe the area temporarily.
-
When to seek care: A dental abscess is a serious condition that requires emergency dental care. Without prompt treatment, the infection can spread to other areas of the body, leading to more severe health complications.
6. Orthodontic Problems (Loose Braces or Wires)
For those undergoing orthodontic treatment, loose braces or wires can become painful and irritating if they poke into the inside of your mouth. While this may not seem like a typical “emergency,” it’s still important to address it quickly.
-
What to do: If a wire is poking into your gums or cheek, you can use a cotton ball or wax to cover it temporarily. If the braces or wires are loose, schedule an emergency visit with your orthodontist or dentist.
-
When to seek care: If you experience discomfort or the wire is causing injury to your mouth, seek emergency dental care. Adjustments may be needed to ensure your treatment continues smoothly.
The Foleck Center: Your Go-To for Emergency Dental Care
Dental emergencies require immediate attention for several reasons, whether it’s preventing further damage, reducing pain, preserving your natural teeth, or avoiding infection. At The Foleck Center, we understand that these emergencies can happen at any time. Whether you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, or another urgent issue, our team is ready to provide emergency dental care to restore your smile and relieve your pain.
We offer same-day appointments and are equipped with the latest dental technology to handle a wide range of dental emergencies. Our offices in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton Kecoughtan, and Hampton Coliseum are here to serve you, ensuring that you receive fast, reliable care when you need it most.
If you find yourself in need of professional dental care, don’t hesitate to contact us online or by calling 800-800-8000!
