Types of Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency can be anything that may cause excruciating pain or alter your smile. However, when you face a dental emergency do not panic. When in doubt, it is always best to contact an emergency dentist for an oral examination and diagnosis. In the event of a dental emergency, our emergency dentist in Chesapeake can make a recommendation for the next steps.

If you’re experiencing any of the following, visit an emergency dentist near Chesapeake as soon as possible.

Dental trauma

Dental trauma refers to any type of injury that occurs to the teeth or gums. It can be caused by biting down on something hard, a sports injury, a fall, or any other kind of accident. A dental emergency such as this should be addressed immediately.

Some of the most common dental emergencies are injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth, including lacerations, a bitten lip or tongue, or even a broken jaw. Dental trauma should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible.

Dental infection

A dental infection might be evident by symptoms such as red, swollen gums, pus, or a foul taste or odor in your mouth. If you have a dental infection, you should call your emergency dentist right away to make an appointment to get it treated. Leaving a dental infection untreated can cause the spread of infection, tooth loss, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

Dental abscess

A dental abscess is a bacterial infection at the root of a tooth. It can cause pain and discomfort. A dental abscess is an infection that begins in a tooth’s soft pulp, a soft tissue made up of blood vessels and nerves. A toothache is an early sign of a dental abscess. If left untreated, the infection can cause pus to develop in the gum. Pus is a thick fluid composed of dead white blood cells, dead bacteria, and dead tissue.

Toothache

A mild toothache is one of the most common dental emergencies. Often, it’s caused by a small cavity. A cavity is a small area in the enamel of a tooth that breaks down, forming a deep hole. If the cavity isn’t filled, bacteria can get inside the tooth and cause excruciating pain.

The professionals at Alencar Family Dentistry can help you out in case of an emergency. We are located at 711 Greenbrier Pkwy Suite 101, Chesapeake, VA 23320. Contact us at (757) 546-0301 or visit our website for more information.