What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Dentists often see patients with emergencies and typically leave room in their schedules to accommodate such situations. It is important to see a dentist as soon as possible after accidents occur; the sooner you seek treatment, the more likely your tooth can be saved.

Causes

• A tooth can become cracked or broken while eating or due to a sports injury, a fall or a traffic accident. Teeth are knocked out in the same ways. Severe pain may also be caused by an infection or decay.

Definition

• If a tooth is cracked or broken, or has been knocked out, it is at risk of permanent loss and constitutes a dental emergency, according to the American Dental Association. If pain is unbearable, or you suspect that your jaw may be broken, you should also seek emergency treatment.

Prevention

• Sports injuries to your mouth and teeth can be avoided by wearing a dental guard. Do not chew ice, hard candy or other hard objects. Never use your teeth to pry items open, or in place of scissors.

Treatment

• Your dentist may be able to replace a knocked out tooth if the roots have not died. He or she can repair cracked or broken teeth. Other procedures such as root canals or crowns may be necessary to fix broken or infected teeth.

First Aid

• If your tooth is knocked out, rinse it gently in water and then place it in a cup of milk. See a dentist immediately.