A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate dental attention to alleviate pain, stop bleeding, or prevent further damage to the teeth or gums. Some common examples of dental emergencies include:
Knocked-out tooth.
Broken or cracked tooth.
Abscess (a painful infection in the tooth or gums)
Severe toothache
Soft tissue injuries (such as a bitten tongue or lip)
Lost or broken dental restoration (such as a crown or filling)
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you receive treatment, the more likely it is that your dentist will be able to preserve your natural teeth and prevent further damage to your oral health.
If you are unable to reach your dentist during normal business hours, you can find emergency dental care services through local hospitals or after-hours dental clinics. If you are experiencing severe pain or difficulty breathing, it is important to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room.
In the case of a dental emergency, it is also important to take steps to protect your teeth and gums until you can see a dentist. For example, if you have a knocked-out tooth, you should rinse it off gently and try to place it back in its socket if possible. If you cannot place it back in the socket, you should keep it moist (for example, by placing it in a cup of milk) until you can see a dentist.