In this article, we discuss the most common oral health issues that require immediate medical attention and how an emergency dentist can save your tooth in these situations.
How Emergency Dentists Can Save Your Tooth
The most common oral health issues that require an emergency dental visit include:
- Severe toothache caused by infection
- Swelling in the gums and face, or difficulty swallowing
- Dental abscess
- Toothache accompanied by fever
- Oral trauma
- Dislodged or knocked out tooth
- Chipped or cracked tooth
Let us look at what treatment methods an emergency dentist can provide in the cases we listed above.
Root Canal Therapy for Tooth Infection
Root canal therapy is used when infection has reached the inner pulp of the tooth. If the infection is severe, it can cause a severe toothache, swelling, fever, and lead to a dental abscess. Root canal treatment can be effective provided the infection has not destroyed the tooth’s structure.
During this procedure, your dentist will remove the infected pulp, clean the canals, fill the tooth with special dental material, and seal it. In many cases, a dental crown is placed on the tooth after a root canal to reinforce the tooth’s structure and protect it from further damage.
Root canal therapy recovery typically takes around 10 days. Additionally, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent reinfection.
Emergency Tooth Extraction
When an infected tooth cannot be saved with root canal therapy, it is extracted to prevent the spread of infection. Also, an extraction is usually necessary in the following cases:
When an infection is located in a wisdom tooth
When your tooth is broken at the gum line
Antibiotics may be prescribed after a tooth extraction to reduce infection and avoid complications. Tooth extraction recovery may take up to 14 days. Subsequently, you can replace the extracted tooth with a dental bridge or an implant.
Chipped or Cracked Tooth Restoration
Chipped or cracked teeth can be restored with dental bonding. During this procedure, your dentist will use a resin composite to mend the damage and restore the tooth’s original appearance.
If the inner pulp of the tooth becomes exposed due to a crack or chip, you will require root canal therapy, which we discussed above. After this procedure, a dental crown will be placed on the tooth to restore its function and appearance.
Dislodged or Knocked Out Tooth Restoration
A dislodged and even knocked-out tooth can be repositioned in the socket provided that you get medical attention within the first 30 to 60 minutes after the trauma occurs. Later, the tooth will heal, become stable, and function again. However, there are several rules you should follow to preserve the tooth:
Do not try to put a knocked-out or dislodged tooth back in its socket, as you can damage the nerves.
If the tooth is completely knocked out, keep it moist while you wait to be admitted by your dentist. To preserve the tooth, place it between your cheek and gum or in a clean container filled with saliva or milk.
Never put your tooth in water, except to briefly rinse it with lukewarm water if it is dirty.
Never try to clean your tooth with soap or rub it with napkins, tissues, or a cloth.
Get Emergency Treatment at Dental Care of Chino Hills
If you need emergency services, do not hesitate to call our office and make an appointment with an experienced dentist in Chino. At Dental Care of Chino Hills, we offer a wide range of emergency services to restore and preserve your oral health.