7 Common Dental Emergencies:

1. Toothache:

Pain is never a good sign: it can indicate several conditions, including tooth decay. And while some toothaches are manageable without emergency treatment, certain signs — like swelling — require urgent attention.

2. Chipped or broken teeth:

Did you bite down on something a little too hard? A chipped or broken tooth doesn’t just ruin your perfect smile — it can also hurt.

3. Knocked-out tooth:

Similarly, as you’d handle a chipped or broken tooth, pick the tooth up by the crown (the exposed part in the mouth) and rinse off the root only if it is dirty. Otherwise, avoid scrubbing and removing attached tissue fragments. Depending on the injury, you may be able to put the tooth back in place but be careful not to push it into the socket. The sooner you can do this — ideally within the hour — the better your chances of saving a knocked-out tooth and restoring it in place. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, put it in a small cup with milk or water with a salt pinch. This will help preserve the tooth in time for emergency restoration at our dental office in Wylie, TX.

4. Lost filling or crown:

Crowns and fillings restore previously damaged teeth back to optimal appearance and function. So when these break, you need to get them treated right away to avoid further

damage or reinfection. You can place the restoration in a zip-top bag and bring it to Merry Dentistry to reapply or be fitted with a new crown.

5. Broken orthodontics:

Braces are tough — these metal wires and brackets are designed to withstand daily wear-and-tear with chewing, eating and even talking. But even then, they can break or stick out and poke your cheeks and gums. Not only does this cause discomfort, but it can slow down or even reverse progress in aligning and straightening teeth. When this happens, you can try pushing the broken wire into a more comfortable position. If this isn’t possible, cover the exposed end with orthodontic wax, a small cotton ball or a piece of gauze. No matter how bothersome, don’t cut the wire to avoid swallowing.

6. Abscess:

Infections in the mouth, especially near the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums, are serious. When untreated, these can spread to surrounding teeth and gum tissue, and even the rest of the body. Not sure if you have an abscess? Check your gums for a painful, pimple-like swollen spot. Call our dental clinic in Wylie, TX right away for emergency treatment to avoid worse oral health problems. Rinse your mouth with a mild water solution and apply ice to the swollen area for temporary relief.

7. Bleeding and pain after a tooth extraction

It’s normal to experience some post-op pain and bleeding but if these persist even an hour later, it’s time to call your dentist. In the meantime, place a thick gauze pad over the extraction site, and apply pressure by biting down on the gauze. Avoid rinsing, drinking and eating, as well as sucking, spitting and smoking.