Emergency dentists play the important role of relieving pain and preventing tooth loss after severe oral infections and injuries. Your dentist will be sure to do everything they can to preserve your oral health when you experience an oral health crisis, and, while each dental emergency is unique, a few problems are especially common. Here’s a quick overview of a few frequently encountered dental emergencies and how your dentist can address them.
Dental Injuries
Damage to the enamel or inner structures of the teeth due to blows or falls is fairly common, and a person may be especially susceptible to them if they play sports. These issues can typically wait a few days before being treated if the inner tissues of the tooth are not exposed, but any damage that leaves the pulp in contact with the oral environment requires immediate care.
Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth can be addressed in a variety of ways depending on the severity of the problem. A few possible treatments include:
- Fillings: Your dentist applying a small amount of tooth-colored resin to the injury and shaping it to match the curves of your tooth can repair chips and cracks and prevent further damage.
- Restorations: If the tooth is severely broken, it may be necessary to restore the lost dental structure with a restoration like a dental crown or a veneer.
- Root canal treatment: If the pulp of the tooth is exposed to the oral environment, a root canal may be necessary to prevent painful and destructive infections.
Toothache
Toothaches can happen for a wide variety of reasons such as grinding or gum inflammation, but severe, throbbing dental pain may be the result of an advanced dental infection. Tooth decay begins as a cavity that can probably be addressed with a dental filling, but a root canal may be necessary if the infection has bored its way through the enamel and dentin layers and reached the pulp at the center of the tooth. This can bring an immediate end to the severe pain and allow the tooth to remain healthy and functional for decades.
Emergency dental care has spared countless patients from pain, tooth loss, and nasty secondary infections. It’s a great idea to keep your emergency dentist’s phone number in your address book so you can quickly reach them when an unexpected oral health disaster strikes.
About the Practice
Skyline Dental of Morristown offers the finest oral health services in the area. Led by Drs. Aliana Henkin and Erilda Xholi, the staff ensures that each patient receives the utmost courtesy and compassion in a clean and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, dial (862) 260-4116. To learn more about emergency dental care, contact the office online.