What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Do you have a dental problem, but you aren’t sure if it’s an emergency? First, find out what is considered a dental emergency. Then, if it is an emergency, seek immediate care from a dentist near Kirkland, WA. Emergencies can be dangerous, so don’t hesitate to go to the dentist for treatment.

 

Dental Emergencies in Kirkland, WA

Loose Teeth

Permanent teeth should be firmly in place. If your tooth is loose, you have an emergency that requires immediate care.

Often, teeth become loose due to an injury. The force of the injury knocks the teeth loose and can cause additional damage to the nerves and jaw. Unfortunately, this problem can get much worse without proper treatment.

Additionally, you can get a loose tooth due to an infection. This is often accompanied by a toothache, although that’s not always the case. Again, this problem can get much worse without immediate treatment.

Your Kirkland, WA, emergency dentist will evaluate the problem and work to preserve the tooth. Time is of the essence when dealing with a loose tooth, so don’t delay seeking treatment.

Lost Tooth

It takes quite a bit of force to knock out a permanent tooth, but it does happen. With quick action, your dentist can likely replant the tooth, so you won’t need to get an implant and crown. Also, fast action can prevent an infection from developing in the socket.

First, you need to retrieve your tooth by picking it up by the crown. Then, rinse it in warm water, but don’t scrub it. Put it back in the socket if you can, but if not, put it in some milk. Then, head directly to the emergency dentist.

Infection

Have you noticed swelling on your gums and face? This is often a sign of an infection. Unfortunately, infections can be life-threatening without treatment. You should rush to the emergency dentist for an evaluation and treatment before the infection spreads.

Severe Pain

You’re likely to suffer a toothache at some point in your life. Often, the pain is manageable, and you can wait until the next available appointment. However, treat severe pain as a dental emergency. An infection might have made its way to the tooth’s root, so it’s important to take quick action.

Fractures

If your tooth has a small chip or crack in it, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment during regular office hours. However, severe fractures require immediate treatment. You could have additional damage. Also, a piece of fractured tooth might injure your gums. With quick treatment, you can avoid additional damage. Plus, the dentist can likely save the tooth.

Foreign Object

If you have something stuck between your teeth, use dental floss to remove it. However, if you cannot free the food or other object, contact an emergency dentist.

Your teeth might shift out of place if the object remains between your teeth. Also, it can irritate your gums and cause an infection. Plus, you might injure yourself if you continue to try to remove it. Your dentist has special tools to assist in removing the object, so he or she can free it without causing additional damage.

Broken Crown

If you have a chipped crown and aren’t experiencing pain, you can see the dentist during normal business hours. However, if your crown has a large chip or fracture or comes out completely, you should contact the emergency dentist. The dentist will either give you at-home treatment options to use before your appointment or have you come in right away. Your course of action depends on your symptoms and the severity of the break.

Before calling the dentist, examine the crown to see if it’s a chip or if pieces are missing. Also, apply gauze to the affected area if you are bleeding. Then, you’ll be ready to contact the dentist.

Numb Teeth

Did you have a toothache, but now, you don’t feel anything? This could be a sign of an infection that’s traveled to the root. You need to stop the infection from spreading any further, so treat this as an emergency. The dentist can treat the infection so it doesn’t continue to spread.

Bleeding

You might experience some bleeding when you floss your teeth. This is a sign that you need to floss more. Also, you should tell your dentist at your next appointment.

However, if your gums bleed without any pressure or force, it’s a dental emergency. This could be due to gum disease, an abscess, or cavities. Your dentist needs to evaluate your condition and provide treatment. If you delay, the problem could intensify. Use gauze to stop the bleeding if necessary and then go to the dentist.

For Severe Issues Call 911 or Visit a Kirkland Emergency Dentist

If you experience uncontrolled bleeding or have an infection or injury that makes it hard to breathe, do not delay seeking treatment. These issues are potentially life-threatening, according to the American Dental Association. If you cannot reach your dentist, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

Schedule an Appointment With Our Emergency Dentist Today

If you think you have a dental emergency, contact Sunrise Dental of Redmond at (425) 629-0639. Our Redmond, WA, dental practice takes dental emergencies seriously and will ensure you receive the care you need. In addition, we offer family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative services, and oral surgery.

If you need to see the dentist but don’t have an emergency, you can schedule an appointment online. You’ll choose the type of appointment you want and reserve your spot. With regular dental appointments, you are less likely to experience an emergency.

Tags: Dentist in Kirkland, Dentist Near Me, Emergency Dental Services, Top Dentist in Redmond WA