A dental emergency is a situation that can make even the most stoic of people anxious. This unfortunate event may mean a damaged or broken tooth or even a tooth which has become dislodged altogether. However, understanding your options and what to do during a dental emergency can help you remain calm and even save your tooth. Do you know what you should do during a dental emergency? Find out more about emergency dental care with Dr. Julee Weidner at Dental Care of Mesa in Mesa, AZ.

Common Dental Emergencies

• Lost Tooth: If a tooth becomes dislodged completely and falls out of your mouth, retrieve the tooth and, if you can, try to place it gently back into its socket. If the tooth does not go back into its socket without using force, place the tooth into a canister with milk and bring it immediately to an emergency dental appointment. Do not force the tooth back into its socket. Always hold the tooth by the crown and do not scrub its roots free from any tissue which may be attached.
• Broken Tooth: If possible, find the broken pieces of the tooth and place them into a canister with milk to take to your dental appointment as soon as possible.
• Toothache: A toothache is an obvious indicator of a severely decayed tooth and is one of the indications that the decay is in its more advanced stages. A toothache often means that you require a root canal to save the tooth or, if a root canal is not possible, extraction. If you experience a toothache, it is best to see your dentist as soon as possible to repair the tooth and avoid extraction.
• Dental Abscess: A dental abscess, which usually resembles a swollen pimple on the gum over a tooth’s root, should be seen by your dentist immediately. This indicates that your tooth has become infected.
• Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth, though normally simply an aesthetic issue, does not always require immediate emergency dental care. However, if the chip extends under the gumline or causes pain, you should see your dentist as soon as possible.

For more information on dental emergencies, please contact Dr. Julee Weidner at Dental Care of Mesa in Mesa, AZ. If you have a dental emergency, do not hesitate. Please call (480) 290-7777 to schedule your emergency dental appointment with Dr. Weidner today!