In addition to seeing a dentist twice a year for routine teeth cleanings and checkups, there are times when an immediate visit to the dental professional is warranted. Known as dental emergencies, it is important to have these issues checked and treated quickly to avoid further problems. Below are instances that count as dental emergencies. 

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency? 

1. Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth

Teeth can break or get knocked out from rough sports play and other impacts, such as bicycle and car accidents. Even biting on a hard piece of food can cause severe tooth cracks. A broken tooth is vulnerable to infection, and more pieces can break off from chewing food if the issue is not addressed immediately. 

Teeth get knocked out from sports and vehicular impacts, as well as physical altercations. If the missing tooth isn't immediately reattached, the surrounding teeth start shifting and become harder to clean, which risks infection. To save a knocked-out tooth, keep the nerve endings alive by placing it back in the socket, between your cheek and gums, or in milk until you reach the dentist’s office. 

2. Severe Pain

Ongoing, severe tooth pain can indicate serious decay that needs a filling or root canal to avoid extraction. Tooth pain can also mean a foreign object is lodged between the teeth, or an infection is present. It is always best to have a dental professional remove a lodged foreign object, as using any implement yourself, such as tweezers or a knife, can result in injuries. 

If there is an infection, an abscess—or pocket of pus—may form around the tooth root, and the gums and cheek might swell. A dentist must drain the abscess and write an antibiotic prescription to prevent further infection, swelling, and pain. 

3. Broken or Loose Filling or Crown

When fillings loosen or break because of assorted impacts or age-related wear, going to the local dental office is not something to put off. The same is true of a broken or loose crown. Without immediate cleaning and repair, bacteria can get under the filling or crown, causing decay and risking infection. The dental professional removes the broken materials, cleans the natural tooth, and provides a new filling or crown. If the tooth needs a root canal before a new crown can be put on, the dentist will schedule the procedure as soon as possible. 

If you have a dental emergency of any kind in Waikiki, HI, make an appointment with Stephen R. Ho, DDS. Known for his compassionate care of nervous patients and his A+ Better Business Bureau® rating, this dentist also uses the latest and most cutting-edge technology to provide patients with the best treatments possible. Call (808) 949-4288 today to make an appointment, or learn more about their services online.