Emergency – by definition – is something that happens unexpectedly and unwantedly. It’s something that you must immediately contend with to avoid further pain and discomfort. It just so happens that, with dental emergencies, exact care can only be delivered by experts.
The emergency dental San Jose clinic has always helped residents manage sudden dental emergencies with utmost care and attention. After all, this immediate attention can help save a tooth! Here’s what dentists do in case of emergencies…
1. Loose Teeth
Common Causes
Loose teeth in adults can result from trauma, gum disease, or grinding habits. A blow to the face during sports or an accident can displace a tooth, while advanced periodontal disease weakens the bone and tissue supporting it.
How Dentists Respond
- Assessment and Stabilization: Dentists first assess the extent of damage using physical exams and X-rays. If the tooth can be saved, they stabilize it with a dental splint, attaching it to adjacent teeth for support.
- Treatment for Underlying Issues: If gum disease is the cause, periodontal treatments like deep cleaning or scaling and root planing are performed.
- Prognosis: If the damage is too severe, extraction may be necessary, followed by solutions like dental implants or bridges to restore the smile.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth
Common Causes
A knocked-out tooth (avulsion) often occurs due to accidents, falls, or sports injuries. This emergency requires immediate action to increase the chance of saving the tooth.
How Dentists Respond
- Immediate Reimplantation: If the patient arrives promptly with the tooth preserved in milk or saliva, dentists clean it and attempt to reinsert it into the socket.
- Splinting: Once reimplanted, the tooth is secured with a splint to allow the surrounding tissues to heal and reattach.
- Root Canal Treatment: If the tooth survives reimplantation but the nerve is damaged, a root canal may be performed to prevent infection.
- Alternative Solutions: If the tooth cannot be saved, options such as dental implants or partial dentures are explored to restore function and aesthetics.
3. Chipped, Cracked, or Fractured Tooth
Common Causes
Biting on hard objects, facial injuries, or untreated cavities can lead to chips, cracks, or fractures. These issues vary in severity, with minor chips being cosmetic concerns and deep fractures threatening the tooth’s structural integrity.
How Dentists Respond
- For Minor Chips: Dentists use dental bonding to repair the tooth, applying a resin that is molded and polished to match the natural enamel.
- For Cracks or Fractures:
- Crowns: If a crack compromises the tooth’s structure, a crown is placed over it to restore strength and functionality.
- Root Canals: If the crack extends to the pulp, a root canal may be necessary to remove damaged tissue and prevent infection before placing a crown.
- Extraction: Severe fractures that split the tooth below the gum line may require extraction, followed by restorative solutions like implants or bridges.
- Preventive Measures: Dentists often advise using mouthguards during sports and avoiding chewing ice or hard candies to reduce the risk of fractures.
Dental emergencies can happen to anyone, often causing significant pain and concern. Whether it’s a sports injury, an accidental fall, or biting down on something hard, dental emergencies require prompt attention. Dentists are equipped to handle urgent cases with skill and care, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
In fact, dental experts emphasize that immediate intervention is critical in managing dental emergencies. Delaying treatment can lead to complications such as infection, tooth loss, or the need for more invasive procedures. Access to advanced diagnostic tools and restorative treatments enables these professionals to provide effective, timely care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
If you’ve had the sudden misfortune of experiencing these emergencies – don’t wait! Reach out to an expert dentist immediately!