Dental emergencies can occur at any time and can lead to an immense amount of pain. The mouth, in general, is sensitive and needs immediate care in such situations. You may have a toothache, a loose or chipped tooth, a dental abscess, a cut in the mouth, or even an injury to the mouth that could affect the teeth. Whatever the case may be, it is essential to visit our dental practice as soon as possible to get it treated by our dentist.

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What Are Some of the Common Dental Emergencies?

The most common dental emergencies would be:

  • Toothache

This is one of the most common dental emergencies that people would experience. It may be caused by cavities or other issues in the mouth. The patient may feel severe pain while biting or chewing food. They may experience sensitivity to hot or cold food as well.

  • Loose or Chipped Tooth

A tooth that has been knocked off from its socket due to an external trauma could affect one’s appearance and self-confidence. The dentist would put the tooth back in position and restore it using a composite bonding material.

  • Dental Abscess

The presence of bacteria in the mouth can lead to a severe infection in the gums called gingivitis. If left untreated for a long time, it can advance into a more severe condition known as periodontitis. Untreated periodontitis can lead to a dental abscess in which pus accumulates near the root canal cavity of a tooth if infected gums are near it. It will cause extreme pain and swelling near the teeth. In such an emergency, we would administer medication and extract the tooth if required.

  • Broken Tooth

A broken tooth could be one of the most painful dental emergencies that you may experience in your entire life. The patient would feel severe pain while chewing food, brushing their teeth, or even while talking. It can be treated by restoring it using an artificial tooth, root canal filling material, or crowns if the tooth is severely damaged.

  • Cuts on the Soft Tissues of the Mouth

A cut on any soft tissue of the mouth (lips, tongue, inner lining of cheeks) could lead to a lot of pain and bleeding if not treated in time. If left untreated for a long time, it could lead to infections and even spread elsewhere in the body through blood vessels that supply blood to all parts of your body. We would treat such injuries by cleaning them thoroughly and applying medication to them to reduce pain and promote healing. In severe cases where there is too much damage to tissues, we may have to administer anesthesia before treating them so that you don’t feel too much pain while undergoing treatment.

If you encounter a dental emergency, do not panic. Stay calm and relaxed, and call our emergency dental services. We will schedule an appointment for you at the earliest, on the same day itself.

Lowery Smiles, located in Cary, NC, has expert dentists and the latest amenities for treatment. Call Dentist in Cary, NC at (919) 468-5501 and schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies

What is considered a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation that causes severe pain, injury, or risk of infection to your teeth or mouth, such as a toothache, broken tooth, loose tooth, dental abscess, or cuts to the soft tissues.

What should I do if I have a toothache?

Toothaches can be caused by cavities, infections, or other dental issues. Rinse your mouth with warm water, use dental floss to remove any trapped food, and contact Lowery Smiles promptly to prevent worsening pain or infection.

How are broken or chipped teeth treated?

Depending on the severity, broken or chipped teeth may be restored with composite bonding, crowns, or other restorative treatments. Immediate care helps prevent further damage and reduces discomfort.

What is a dental abscess and how is it handled?

A dental abscess is a severe infection near the tooth root or gums, causing pain and swelling. Treatment may include draining the infection, administering antibiotics, or tooth extraction if necessary. Quick intervention is essential to avoid complications.

How should cuts or injuries to the mouth be treated?

Minor cuts on lips, tongue, or cheeks should be cleaned and monitored for infection. Severe injuries may require anesthesia and professional care to ensure proper healing. Lowery Smiles can provide immediate care in urgent situations; call (919) 468-5501 if necessary.