What Are the Different Types of Dental Emergencies?

Dental emergencies take place when you experience a dental problem during non-office hours. These emergencies can range from minor to severe, but no matter what type of dental emergency you are experiencing, it is important to seek treatment from your emergency dentist in Redwood City as soon as possible. 

An emergency dentist treats patients with urgent dental problems that require immediate attention. This can include things such as a broken tooth or lost filling. The focus of an emergency dentist is to provide symptomatic relief for sudden and often painful oral conditions that can't wait until the next day.

Listed below are some of the common types of dental emergencies:

Knocked Out Tooth

If you've knocked out a tooth, it's important to get it replaced as soon as possible to prevent it from drying out and being lost for good. Call your dentist in Redwood City immediately to get your tooth evaluated and replaced. In the meantime, rinse off the tooth with water/ milk and keep it in a safe place until you can get to the dentist's office.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

A broken tooth is one that has been damaged in some way, sometimes completely in half. In most cases, a broken tooth requires immediate attention from a dentist in order to restore the tooth to its proper function. Leaving a tooth broken for too long can result in the need for more complex and expensive treatment later on.

Some of the most common causes of a broken tooth include biting into something hard like ice, falling, or being involved in any kind of contact sport. If you've experienced any sort of trauma to the face or mouth that causes you to bleed, you should see your Redwood City dentist right away to rule out a broken tooth. 

Denture Problems

A denture problem, such as a loose or lost tooth, maybe the first sign of a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. It's important to treat any injuries to your soft tissue as soon as possible to avoid infection. If your dentures become damaged, you should speak with your dentist in Redwood City about possible repair or replacement options. You should also call an emergency dentist right away if you have a broken or cracked denture and are experiencing severe pain. In this case, you may need immediate extraction to prevent complications such as a swollen jaw.

Loose Filling or Crown

Although loose fillings and crowns don't sound particularly serious, they can cause a lot of discomforts and can interfere with your smile's appearance. A loose filling or crown should be fixed as soon as possible. Call your Redwood City dentist to make an appointment for prompt treatment. In the meantime, your toothache can be temporarily relieved by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. 

Abscess, Tooth Infection

A tooth infection is caused when bacteria settles in the gums and teeth, causing pain and inflammation. Any type of injury or trauma to the face can also create an opening for bacteria to enter and cause an infection. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately.

• Swollen or inflamed gums around the tooth or along the gum line
• Bad breath that doesn't go away
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Pain while chewing
• Tenderness or pain in the tooth itself
• Pus formation near the infected area
• Fever and the general feeling of illness

Don't ignore these symptoms, as they may be signs of a more serious issue. 

Call Our Emergency Dentist

At Future Dental Care, we offer comprehensive dental care for the whole family using state-of-the-art laser equipment to provide better patient experiences. To schedule an appointment at the office, call 650-780-9420 today. We will help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.