When your teeth or gums hurt and you’re not sure why, you might wonder if it’s really an emergency situation, especially if the pain isn’t too severe. The truth, though, is that teeth hurt for a reason, sometimes suddenly, and the discomfort usually serves as a warning. If you find that the tooth’s been damaged or broken, or if you can’t find the tooth because it’s been knocked out, then the fact that it’s a dental emergency should be more apparent.
When Your Tooth Hurts
The most common cause for tooth sensitivity is an infection called tooth decay, which causes cavities as bacteria eat away your tooth’s structure. The sensitivity can develop slowly, and when it becomes severe, it’s usually because the cavity has grown large enough to threaten your tooth’s integrity.
What to do:
If your tooth is sensitive when you bite down, or when you eat and drink hot and cold substances, then visit your dentist’s office as soon as possible for a thorough examination. If a cavity is developing, then your dentist can treat the decay before it claims your tooth.
When Your Tooth is Cracked or Fractured
If your tooth cracks or fractures, then the living tissues, including nerves, inside the tooth can be exposed to infectious bacteria. Without prompt treatment, the fracture can grow worse from the pressure of biting and chewing.
What to do:
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clear away bacteria and food debris. If the tooth is bleeding, then apply pressure by biting gently on moist, clean gauze. Call our office immediately to schedule an emergency treatment.
When Your Tooth is Broken/Knocked Out
If your tooth is broken, it might be saved with a dental crown, and if it’s knocked out, then it may be replanted, saving you the need to replace it. In both cases, however, time is of the essence. After an hour or two, the tooth can’t be replanted, and what remains of a broken tooth can quickly become infected if not treated promptly.
What to do:
Collect the tooth, or pieces of tooth, and rinse them with warm water, as well as your mouth, then place them in a small container of milk. Schedule an immediate emergency visit, and bring the tooth (or pieces) with you to our office.
