Dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, and when an emergency strikes, you can be left feeling scared, helpless, and unsure about what to do next. At Anthony Bartels DDS Family Dentistry, we offer emergency dentistry when you need us the most, but knowing how to prevent dental emergencies in the first place may help you avoid painful or damaging dental issues. So, what are the most common dental emergencies, and how can you prevent them? Keep reading to learn more.
Six Common Dental Emergencies
The six most common dental emergencies we encounter are as follows:
1. Toothache
If you have a toothache, it can be an indication of tooth decay or infection. Practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent tooth pain.
2. Chipped or Broken Teeth
When you bite down on something too hard or if you participate in sports, you can break or chip your teeth. To prevent this dental emergency, consider wearing a mouthguard when playing your favorite sport, and always think before biting down on certain hard or crunchy foods.
3. Knocked-Out Tooth
If your tooth gets completely knocked out, call our dental office immediately. To save your tooth, carefully try to reinsert it into the socket or store it inside your cheek. Be careful not to touch the tooth’s roots.
4. Lost Filling or Crown
If you lose a dental restoration such as a filling or crown, you are more susceptible to infection, and you will lose the functionality of that tooth, so call us for an emergency dental appointment. In the meantime, place a piece of sugar-free gum into the cavity until you reach our dental office.
5. Abscess
An abscess is an infection near the root of your tooth or in the space between your teeth and gums. If it goes untreated, it can spread and cause serious oral health issues, so contact our dental office right away if you think you have an abscess.
6. Post-Extraction Pain and Bleeding
After you’ve had a tooth removed, it’s normal to experience some mild discomfort and bleeding for a short time. If the pain and bleeding continue, however, you should call us for an emergency dental appointment.
Do You Need Emergency Dental Care in Jonesboro, AR?
If you need emergency dentistry services, the expert dental team at Anthony Bartels DDS Family Dentistry is ready to help! Our primary goals are to relieve your pain and save your teeth, so when the unexpected happens, contact our dental office at (870) 932-9911.