What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies can occur at any time, just like with any normal health emergency. They are sadly unpredictable and can cause a person pain or discomfort at any time. While dental emergencies are actually common, it can often be confusing to know what is classified as a dental emergency.

If someone is experiencing a dental emergency then it is only right that they seek medical attention immediately. However, if it is not a dental emergency then waiting to visit your general dentist is appropriate. Dental emergency facilities do exist for people that are experiencing an actual emergency situation.

Today, we will discuss what is classified as a dental emergency. This should benefit anyone who is unsure whether or not their discomfort or pain is an emergency.

What qualifies as a dental emergency?

A dislodged tooth (or teeth)

A tooth or multiple teeth that have been dislodged is a dental emergency. Once a person reaches adulthood, their teeth are permanent. They are not meant to be knocked out, so if a person experiences a tooth being knocked out, it is best to immediately seek the attention of a dentist or a medical professional.

It has been said that if a person has a dislodged tooth, they should get to the ER right away. There are medical professionals as well as dental ones who can help restore the tooth and repair the damage that has been done.

A severe crack

If a person bites down on something that is too hard or if they experience a physical impact to the mouth, they may experience a severe crack in a tooth or multiple teeth. While a crack may not seem an emergency, a person should carefully examine the tooth. If the crack is severe or deep enough, the roots of the tooth may be exposed which could be detrimental for one's overall oral health.

A severe crack in a tooth or in multiple teeth can only cause further damage to the tooth, gums and entire mouth. It's best to immediately seek the attention of a medical or dental professional to ensure that proper attention is given to the wound.

Extreme pain

If a person is experiencing pain that is unbearable or not manageable then they may be experiencing what is a dental emergency. While some people may have different thresholds of pain, anything that causes a person to not function from the pain should be addressed immediately by a dental professional.

The pain could be a rupture, damaged root or even an infection. Visiting with a dental professional as soon as possible is the best thing to do.

Dental emergencies are often hard to detect because a lot of people don't know what qualifies as a dental emergency. Knowing what things can be a sign of a dental emergency can be extremely beneficial for people who might be feeling pain, discomfort or even an injury.

If you still have questions or any concerns, reach out to us today. Our trained office professionals will be more than happy to help you in any way that they can.

Request an appointment here: https://www.foothillfamilydentists.com or call Foothill Family Dentistry at (949) 506-2115 for an appointment in our Foothill Ranch office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist.

Recent Posts

Why You Should See An Emergency Dentist If You Have Oral Pain

An emergency dentist provides dental care on short notice. Many emergency dentists take walk-ins, while some practices have a dentist on call to respond to emergencies.You should have the contacts of an emergency dentist on hand, just in case the unexpected happens. An emergency dentist's phone number and physical location enable you to receive urgent…

Seeking Timely Treatment To Avoid A Dental Emergency

A Dental Emergency can be a difficult situation for people. Suffering a mouth injury or dealing with an unexpected oral health issue is oftentimes very scary. It can also be difficult to determine exactly what needs to be done to ensure the situation is taken care of properly.Fortunately, there are certain steps that everyone can…

How To Fix A Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth can happen due to many reasons including eating incredibly hard foods or using your teeth to open bottle crowns or packages (which you should avoid by the way). Whatever the cause is, one thing is sure about having a chipped tooth: It affects our smile, causes pain, and self-consciousness.Having your chipped tooth…

Options For Fixing A Broken Tooth

Wondering how to repair a broken tooth? Anytime someone experiences damage to one or more of their teeth, professional dental treatment is often necessary. Saving a broken tooth is possible and is preferred over losing it.Understanding how someone can experience a broken tooth is necessary, as this information will help prevent it from reoccurring. Additionally,…

 

Foothill Family Dentistry

Share
Published by
Foothill Family Dentistry

Recent Posts

The Importance of Seeing a Preventive Dentist Regularly

Patients who want to keep their smile bright for as long as possible should regularly…

3 weeks ago

When Should You Replace an Old Dental Filling?

Replacing old dental fillings is a part of good oral healthcare from time to time.

2 months ago

Benefits of Having a Family Dentist for Your Oral Health

A family dentist treats patients of a wide range of ages, helping them to maintain…

3 months ago

The Importance of Regular General Dentistry Visits

Regular general dentistry visits are necessary for a number of reasons, however, it ultimately comes…

4 months ago

What Foods Are Off-Limits During Braces Treatment?

It is essential for braces wearers to avoid eating certain foods while undergoing treatment. Read…

5 months ago

Indications for a Root Canal: What To Look Out For

Discolored teeth that turn brown, black, gray, or dark yellow are likely dying and need…

6 months ago