An emergency is a situation requiring immediate or urgent medical care to address the urgency to prevent further complications. Dental emergencies may range from severe toothaches and broken teeth to infections and trauma. Seeking immediate treatment is crucial to preserve oral health and prevent long-term consequences that can be debilitating.

The Mooresville general dentist and their team are specially trained to address and handle dental emergencies with the utmost care, precision, and compassion.  

What is emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on providing immediate dental care when you are experiencing oral health emergencies. These situations can arise suddenly and require prompt attention to alleviate pain, prevent further damage, and preserve oral health.

Scope of emergency dentistry 

To alleviate pain

Emergency dentistry primarily focuses on relieving extreme pain that could be a warning sign of infection and inflammation. Acute or chronic pain often occurs if the infection spreads to the pulp, damaging the nerve endings

To stop uncontrolled bleeding

Uncontrolled bleeding can occur as a result of severe dental trauma damaging the teeth or soft tissues surrounding them.

To save a damaged tooth

Cracked or broken teeth require immediate attention since the broken pieces can be accidentally swallowed. 

To treat other dental problems such as

• Abscess (pus-filled pockets)
• Objects stuck in your gums or soft tissues
• Loose permanent tooth
• Displacement of an existing filling, crown, or bridge

Protecting your teeth during an emergency

While you wait to reach your dentist for emergency care, there are certain first-aid tips to follow to prevent further damage.

Knocked out (avulsed) tooth

• Do not touch the tooth root
• Keep the tooth moist by placing it between your gums and tongue or by immersing it in either one of the following:
  • Milk
  • Plain water
  • Saliva 

Objects stuck in your gums, tongue, or cheeks

• Do not try to pull or extract the stuck object since this can do more harm
• Leave the object in its place and visit the dentist as soon as possible

Lost filling/crown

• Apply clove oil to the affected tooth to reduce pain and sensitivity
• Do not use any kind of glue to fix the crown 

Fractured tooth

• Rinse your mouth and the broken tooth fragment with lukewarm water
• Apply gauze to arrest bleeding 
• Use cold compression to reduce swelling  

It is essential to recognize the signs of a dental emergency and seek immediate care to prevent complications and ensure the best possible outcome for oral health and overall well-being.