Everything You Need To Know About Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency is any dental problem that requires immediate treatment by a dentist in Modesto, CA. Dental emergencies can be very painful and may cause permanent damage to your teeth and mouth if not treated. As per the Modesto, CA, here are the most common dental emergencies:

• Toothache

Toothaches are one of the most common dental emergencies, and they are usually a sign of an underlying problem. If you suffer from frequent toothaches, contact your dentist in Modesto, CA, right away to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with salt water or a warm saltwater solution to ease the pain.

• Facial swelling or abscess

If untreated, facial swelling could be a sign of an abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pocket of infection under the surface of the gums. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause further complications. When a tooth is abscessed, the dentist will treat the tooth by removing the infected nerve tissue and draining the abscess. Then, they will clean and seal the area to prevent any further damage. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to call your Modesto, CA, dentist right away. They will be able to determine if your symptoms are caused by an infection and recommend treatment.

• Jaw pain

Although this type of mouth pain can be excruciating, that doesn’t mean that it is an emergency that requires a trip to the emergency room. Your jaw is one of the strongest parts of your body, and in most cases, if your jaw starts hurting, it’s usually because of some muscle strain or inflammation around the joint. Causes of jaw pain can include pressure caused by grinding your teeth at night, stress, the tension in your neck and shoulders, arthritis, and even poor posture. If you experience any intense jaw pain or discomfort that lasts more than a day or two, make sure to schedule an appointment with the Modesto, CA, dentist to get it checked out.

• Broken or cracked teeth

A broken or cracked tooth can happen for any number of reasons, and go to your dentist right away. Your dentist will be able to determine whether your tooth can be repaired or if it needs to be extracted completely. 

• Knocked-out teeth

If a piece of your tooth gets knocked out, rinse it off with water to keep it clean. If possible, try to put the piece back into place gently. If you aren’t able to do so on your own, place it in a glass of milk and see your dentist immediately. The sooner you’re able to get to the dentist, the better your chances of saving the tooth are.

• Lost restorations or broken crowns and fillings

Even the best-made crown or filling can chip, break or become loose over time. You’re always at risk of losing your restoration when you eat sticky foods, chew on hard objects like ice or your fingernails, or open packages with your teeth. If you have a chipped restoration, be sure to schedule an appointment with the dentist in Modesto, CA, right away. Leaving it alone can lead to the need for more extensive treatments like a root canal or extraction, so it’s best to see your dentist as soon as you can.

Tips To Prevent Dental Emergencies

While most people understand that handling dental emergencies quickly is important, fewer people understand how to prevent emergency care in the first place. Here are a few ways to avoid common dental emergencies:

• Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time and flossing once a day.
• Wear a custom mouthguard during sports and other activities to protect your teeth from damage and lessen your risk of tooth loss.
• Eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables to give your body the nutrients it needs to function at its best and lower your risk of gum disease.
• Avoid chewing on ice or other hard substances that can crack or damage your teeth.
• See your dentist twice a year for a cleaning to ensure that plaque isn’t causing problems in your mouth that you can’t see.

Keep your smile healthy and strong by preventing dental emergencies before they happen. If you do find yourself in need of emergency care, be sure to call your dentist in Modesto, CA, right away. They can provide the treatment you need when you need it.

Give us a call today to schedule your appointment! We would be happy to answer any of your questions about dentistry procedures in Modesto, CA. You can book an appointment with our dentist in Turlock, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 668-3736 or our dentist in Modesto, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 409-8839.