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Dental emergencies can strike at any time, and when they do, they are never convenient. However, not all dental emergencies occur unexpectedly. Many emergencies can be prevented with proper dental care.

Here are the common dental emergencies:

Toothache

There are often different causes of toothaches, but typically they result from cavities or infections in the tooth pulp and gums. If you’ve experienced a toothache for more than a few hours, it’s time to call the dental office right away. In the meantime, you can try rinsing your mouth out with warm salt water or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. Never put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum because this can damage your gum tissue.

We know that toothaches are never fun, and sometimes they can come on suddenly and be very painful. Even if you’re not experiencing any pain at all, swollen or red gums may be a sign that you have an infection and need to receive treatment as soon as possible. If you experience any type of discomfort in your mouth that isn’t going away on its own, it’s important to call your dentist before the issue progresses and becomes worse.

Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Teeth

If a tooth breaks or chips, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area and apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling. 

A broken or chipped tooth can be repaired with a dental crown for a broken tooth or a dental bonding material for minor chips. Alternatively, the damaged tooth may require a larger restoration, like an inlay or onlay. The dentist will discuss the best treatment option during a consultation appointment.

Knocked Out Teeth

A knocked-out tooth can be one of the most damaging types of dental emergencies. If the tooth is knocked out completely, clean it with water and try to place it back in the socket immediately. However, if this is not possible, place the tooth in a cup of milk or salt water and bring it with you to your dental appointment.

Lost Filling or Crown

If your cavity treatment involves a filling, there is a chance it may become loose or lost. When this happens, it is important to call your dentist as soon as possible to get a new restorative device put in. In the meantime, use clove oil to relieve pain and prevent infection. Clove oil is available at most health food stores and grocery stores. Simply dab a very small amount on the sensitive area two to three times a day.

If your tooth had a crown placed over it, it is likely the crown will become dislodged from your tooth. If this happens, keep the tooth as clean as possible to avoid getting a cavity. Call a dentist as soon as you can to make an appointment to replace the missing crown. In the meantime, eat soft foods and avoid chewing hard objects like pens and pencils. In some cases, a lost crown can be replaced with a temporary crown until a permanent restoration can be made.

To learn more about our dental services, you can schedule your appointment with our Torrance dentist by calling Nishikawa Family Dentistry at (310) 543-1655 or visiting us at 3556 Torrance Boulevard, Suite C, Torrance, CA 90503.