Treating Common Dental Emergencies
While no one wants to deal with a dental emergency, quick action can alleviate your pain and even save your tooth. If you need urgent dental care near San Jose, then continue reading to learn about common treatments for dental emergencies.
Avulsed Teeth
An avulsed tooth is one that has been knocked out, and treatment involves reimplantation of the tooth. For this kind of dental emergency, the key to successful treatment is getting to your dentist as soon as possible. When handling the tooth, only touch the crown and leave the root and any tissues in place. To maximize your chances of saving the tooth, do not allow it to dry out and get to an emergency dentist within 30 minutes.
Broken Jaws
A broken jaw can be a serious injury and should be addressed immediately. If you suspect that you have a broken jaw, immobilize it by looping a scarf or necktie under your jaw and tying it over the top of your head. Then, contact your dentist or head to the emergency room. Some jaw fractures heal on their own with immobilization, while others require surgical repair.
Broken Teeth
To prevent further damage, teeth that are cracked or broken should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. Commonly, this type of dental emergency is treated with a dental crown, but extractions and root canals are sometimes necessary. Keep in mind that your tooth may have a crack, even if you can’t see it. For this reason, you should see your dentist if you experience tooth sensitivity or pain while chewing.
Dental Abscesses
Dental abscesses can affect the teeth or the gums, and both types should receive treatment right away. If you have a tooth abscess, then your dentist will probably perform a root canal, which involves the removal of the infected tooth pulp. Next, the dentist cleans the inside of the tooth and treats the infection. Finally, the dentist fills the tooth’s interior and may apply a crown. Gum abscesses are typically associated with advanced periodontal disease, and treatment usually consists of draining and deep cleaning.