Emergency Dentist in Westborough MA

How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies

There are several different kinds of dental emergencies; some are caused by poor oral hygiene while others are the result of sudden physical trauma. No matter what the source of your dental pain is, we can find the source and provide appropriate treatment. Below are some of the most common emergencies you might experience; it’s important to know how to react in these situations so that you can control the damage and the pain before your appointment.

Toothaches

Toothache occurs from inflammation of the central portion of the tooth called pulp. The pulp contains nerve endings that are very sensitive to pain. Inflammation to the pulp or pulpitis may be caused by dental cavities, trauma, and infection. Referred pain from the jaw may cause you to have symptoms of a toothache.

Chipped/Broken Teeth

Teeth can chip for any number of reasons. Common causes include:

Heavily fractured and seriously broken teeth may require more complex treatments, as these problems may be due to a cavity. A large cavity can cause fractures and breaks and, if left, will become extremely painful. Tooth cavities can also cause infections along the exposed gum line and pulp (root canal, nerves and connective tissue). In cases such as these, root canal treatment may be necessary. Cracks and breaks can also expose your nerve endings, making the teeth sensitive to hot and cold air and foods.

Knocked-Out Tooth

It is common — especially for kids, but also for active adults — to get hurt during any form of sports, particularly contact sports. Unfortunately, the main area of damage often is the face — making athletic injuries a major link between sports and dentistry. Sports-related dental injuries can range from minor chips to the complete loss of a tooth.

If a tooth is chipped, gather up the broken pieces and take them to the dentist for repair. But if the entire tooth has been knocked out, it’s important to act swiftly and carefully to increase the chances of saving the tooth.

Lost Filling / Crown

Try relieving any sensitivity in your tooth by applying a small amount of clove oil with a cotton swab. If you lose a crown that’s still intact, you can use dental cement to temporarily fix it. When you lose a filling or crown, the first thing you should do is put it in a safe place. If it isn't broken, it may be salvageable, and this could save you some time and money when you go in to have it fixed and replaced. Next, you should call your dentist to set up an appointment to examine and repair the site.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

While you can count on Advanced Dental Group to give you the best care possible when the worst happens, it’s always better to avoid dental injuries altogether. To keep your smile healthy and intact, always:

• Brush two times a day and floss daily to get rid of the plaque and tartar that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
• Wear a mouthguard while playing sports, even if it’s normally a no-contact activity.
• Avoid biting down on hard objects (peppermints, fingernails, pen tips, ice) or opening packages with your teeth.

Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies

No one expects or plans a dental emergency—they can occur with very little warning and take you by surprise. This often means having an unanticipated dental bill. At Pioneer Greens Dentistry, we believe that everyone should be able to afford the dental care they need, especially when they are in pain.

It is never the ideal circumstance to be facing an unexpected dental emergency, especially when it comes time to pay the bill. For these reasons, it is a good idea to have a general idea of how much an unexpected dental incident can cost so you can budget your finances accordingly. Overall costs of emergency dental procedures will vary greatly depending upon a variety of factors, including the severity of your particular case, how many teeth are affected, your geographic location, and/or your level of dental insurance.