Dental problems can happen unexpectedly. Sometimes, these situations require immediate attention. Emergency dentistry is there to help you when you face urgent dental issues. At Peak Dental, we offer our Winchester, VA, patients emergency dental treatments and appointments. Whether it is a severe toothache or a knocked-out tooth, our Peak Dental team is here to provide the care you need when you need it most.
Dental emergencies can be frightening. However, you can protect yourself and your oral health by knowing what to do. This can help you stay calm and take the right steps to protect your oral health. We can walk you through a dental emergency with quick, effective general dental care to keep your healthy, pain-free smile.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency involves any situation where immediate dental care is needed to save a tooth, stop ongoing pain, or prevent further complications. Common dental emergencies include situations from toothaches to trauma.
For example, many people experience toothaches or mild sensitivity. However, a severe toothache with intense, persistent tooth pain that doesn’t go away can signal an infection or other serious dental issue.
In fact, there are several types of emergency dental issues that require immediate attention from Dr. Barborka.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: A tooth that has been completely knocked out due to injury requires quick action to increase the chances of saving it.
- Broken or Chipped Tooth: A fractured tooth can cause pain, and if not treated, it can lead to further damage or infection.
- Lost Filling or Crown: When a filling or dental crown falls out, the exposed tooth can be sensitive and vulnerable to damage.
- Abscess: An abscess is a painful, pus-filled infection that can develop in the tooth or gums and needs prompt treatment to prevent the spread of infection.
- Soft Tissue Injury: Cuts or tears to the lips, gums, or cheeks can bleed a lot and may require stitches.
Why Immediate Action Matters
Quick response in a dental emergency is crucial for several reasons. It can save your tooth if you get to the dentist right away, especially with a knocked-out tooth. It is critical to take care of infections quickly. Addressing injuries and infections immediately can stop them from spreading and causing more serious health problems. Of course, Winchester, VA dentist Dr. Aaron Barborka can lessen or stop your pain once you get to the office. He can also minimize the damage to your teeth and mouth.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
If you experience a dental emergency, stay calm and act quickly. We have some steps you can take for some emergencies.
Severe Toothache: If you have a severe toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Then, gently floss to remove any food or debris that may be stuck between your teeth. Additionally, you can use a cold compress on the outside of your teeth to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Knocked-Out Tooth: With a knocked-out tooth, you should pick the tooth up by the crown (the part that’s visible in your mouth), not the root. You should rinse the tooth gently with water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub or remove any attached tissue. Try to place the tooth back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or holding it in your cheek until you can get to the dentist. The sooner you get help, the better the chances of saving the tooth.