5 Things That Constitute an Emergency When It Comes to Dental Care

Dental emergencies will occur when you least expect them. While many dental problems may not require immediate attention, a few must be seen immediately. Drs. Terry Peterson, Stephanie Troglin, & Elyce Cederholm at Brilliant Smiles Dentistry in Scottsdale, Arizona, are available for their patients when needed. If a patient experiences any of the following, they recommend calling their office immediately. The sooner the dentist sees you, the faster you can begin healing.

1. Pain and discomfort – It can be stressful if you begin to experience pain and discomfort around a specific tooth without any other signs of a problem. A cavity or abscess can start to form under the gumline without showing any signs of a problem. The pain from an abscess can be extreme and may eventually result in an open wound forming at the base of the tooth. Seeing your dentist right away can stop the infection from spreading.
2. Fever in the soft tissues—A common sign of infection is a fever. When gum tissue is red, inflamed, and has heat radiating from the area, an infection is likely the culprit. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can soothe the pain and wash away any bacteria on the surface. A dentist specializing in emergency dental care will prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the infection before it can spread throughout the body.
3. Loose teeth—If you are hit in the face or notice a tooth is loose, you should see a dentist immediately. Waiting until the next time your dentist’s office is open could result in the tooth falling out or becoming damaged. Your dentist can examine the tooth and determine what has caused it to loosen. Once the cause is known, he can develop a treatment plan to stabilize or extract the tooth.
4. Open wounds or lesions – Open wounds or lesions can be painful and dramatically increase your risk of infection. If the wound is a result of biting your tongue or the inside of your cheek, your dentist may determine that it needs to be stitched up. Lesions that are caused by metal braces or other appliances need to be treated immediately so they can begin to heal. You may also receive antibiotics to ensure an infection does not develop in the damaged tissues.
5. Broken or damaged teeth—A broken tooth is susceptible to more damage if it is not taken care of immediately. Your emergency dentist can put in a crown or use veneers to repair broken and damaged teeth. Once a tooth has been damaged, it may not be strong enough to maintain proper function unless it is repaired. Seeing your dentist immediately after an accident ensures the tooth is stable and strong enough to remain in place.

A dental emergency should be treated as soon as possible. Drs. Terry Peterson, Stephanie Troglin, & Elyce Cederholm of Brilliant Smiles Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ, work to ensure their patients get the emergency dental care they need. If a new patient requires emergency care, call (480) 613-3476. If you have an emergency, don’t wait to call! Get the care you need right away.

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