When To Seek Emergency Dental Care
A dental emergency is inconvenient for your teeth and the supporting tissues. Many reasons can cause dental emergencies. These reasons can include trauma, dental neglect, infection, or toothache. Marielaina Perrone, DDS, knows dental emergencies are never convenient, so she strives to be available when they occur. Below you will see some common dental emergencies at our office in Henderson, NV.
Common Examples of Dental Emergencies
Dislodged Teeth
Trauma can remove a tooth directly from its socket, either partially or entirely. In some cases, Dr. Perrone can reimplant the tooth. If the tooth dislodges, you can attempt to place the tooth back into position by applying gentle pressure.
Even if successfully reimplanted, the tooth may need root canal therapy to save it.
Toothache
There are many reasons why patients may experience oral pain, such as tooth decay, sensitive teeth, teeth grinding, or periodontal disease. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction is another common reason for oral pain. It can result from clenching or grinding your teeth due to stress. Damaged teeth can also cause toothaches when addressed slowly. It is recommended to see a dentist immediately after the pain begins so they can diagnose and manage the problem quickly. Delaying treatment can lead to root canal therapy or loss of teeth. Marielaina Perrone DDS advises patients to make an appointment whenever a toothache occurs so we can do the most conservative treatment possible to save the tooth.
Broken teeth can occur due to playing sports, being in an accident, or falling inside the home. Teeth grinding is another common reason for damaged teeth. The presence of dental restorations also weakens the structure of teeth, thus leaving them susceptible to cracking. The risk of broken teeth increases with age.
Dr. Perrone is trained to treat different types of cracked teeth:
- Fractured cusp – this problem typically occurs around a previous dental filling and does not affect the tooth’s nerve. You may not be experiencing pain or discomfort, but emergency dental treatment is vital to restore your tooth before it worsens.
- A split tooth occurs when a crack travels from the biting surface down beneath the gum line. This splitting action divides the affected tooth into two parts. When this happens, tooth extraction is likely but not certain. Dr. Perrone will recommend replacement with a dental implant for long-term success.
- Vertical cracks – it is not abnormal to find vertical cracks that have not reached the gum line. These cracks can be common as we get older. Again it is important to diagnose and treat earlier rather than later for long-term success.
Cracked teeth typically present with the following symptoms:
- Pain upon chewing
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Swelling in the area of the affected tooth
Unfortunately, not all cracked teeth will present with the symptoms listed above. It would be best if you saw a dentist for an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Perrone conducts visual examinations, apply dental dye to make cracks conspicuous, runs a dental explorer over the teeth, and performs X-rays to help diagnose the crack and how involved it may be.
Once diagnosed, Dr. Perrone will then determine the appropriate treatment plan. This can include root canal therapy, dental bonding, and dental crowns. Tooth extraction will be the only answer when the tooth structure and underlying nerves are damaged beyond repair. Dr. Perrone will offer a dental implant to restore your smile.
Damaged Tissues
Sometimes, the dental emergency does not involve the teeth at all. It could be the cheek tissues are inflamed from a burn or trauma. The same can happen with your tongue. You could have accidentally bitten or burned it with hot liquid or food.
In some cases, the trauma will need the help of an oral surgeon to repair it.
Lost Teeth
A tooth can be lost during an accident or sporting activity. If you can recover the tooth, collect it and handle it by the crown, not the root, then rinse it under running water. Once rinsing is complete, place it in a container with milk.
You can take a pain reliever to manage any pain before getting to a dentist but avoid taking aspirin. Aspirin can trigger excessive bleeding. Opt for a pain reliever like acetaminophen instead.
Stuck Objects
It is unfortunate to have something stuck between your teeth or gums. It could be something sharp lodged between your teeth, or it penetrates the gum tissues, and you are unable to remove it using dental floss or toothpicks safely.
An abscess is a buildup of pus (infection) at the base of your gums or teeth. This condition can develop from trauma inside the mouth that you did not appropriately treat. When this occurs, you may notice a foul taste inside the mouth. Common signs of an abscess are a toothache, gums, jaw, or face swelling, and bad breath as the bacteria spreads inside the mouth.
Neglecting to treat dental abscesses can be a life-threatening situation. It is important to seek care immediately.
Broken Orthodontic Braces
Breaking an orthodontic wire or bracket is quite common. However, it can also be very irritating and painful to surrounding tissues.
You could attempt repositioning these wires using a pen or finger before seeking dental care. If an orthodontic bracket is loose, you can use orthodontic wax to cover them before seeing a dentist.
Find Emergency Dentist Near Me
Oral health is equally as important as your overall systemic health.
If you notice any dental problem that requires professional attention, do not hesitate to contact Marielaina Perrone, DDS. We strive to give patients personalized services to suit their unique dental needs. Visit us in Henderson, NV, today!
Looking to transform your smile? Schedule a complimentary cosmetic consultation with Marielaina Perrone DDS today by calling (702) 458-2929. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams in Summerlin, Henderson, and Las Vegas, NV. Contact us now!
Author Bio
Marielaina Perrone, DDS, is a highly experienced and dedicated dental professional passionate about delivering exceptional patient care. With over 20 years of experience in the dental industry, Dr. Perrone is widely regarded as a leading authority in her field, with a reputation for providing innovative solutions and personalized care to her patients.