Dental health care is crucial for our overall physical health. But accidents do happen, and sometimes we’re left with a cracked, chipped, or missing tooth. In addition, gum disease and cavities can also cause oral health issues. Thankfully, all of these can be remedied when you schedule your appointment with David C. Wood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. We’re here for all of your dental care needs, whether it’s preventative and routine, or a restoration emergency. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies we see from our patients.

5 Dental Emergencies

1. Broken Tooth

Did you happen to bite down on something too hard? Or maybe your child had a sports injury? No matter how it came about, a broken tooth is a true dental emergency. Not only can this ruin your perfect smile, but it can also cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. A broken tooth leaves nerves exposed, making you very sensitive to hot or cold foods and beverages. Additionally, if you leave a broken tooth in its current shape, you could be inviting bacteria in, leading to a larger issue down the road. So, if you’ve broken a tooth, it’s time to schedule an appointment right away!

2. Toothache

While you might not view a toothache as a dental emergency, this pain could be a sign of an underlying issue. Often, it’s a cavity that’s gone untreated, or it could be a sign of bruxism, a condition that causes you to grind your teeth constantly. No matter the cause, a toothache shouldn’t be ignored, especially if there’s gum swelling along with your pain. If you can, try swallowing some over-the-counter pain medications, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth and then call us for an emergency dental appointment. 

3. Lost Crown or Filling

It’s scary when a crown or filling comes loose. This usually happens because of something hard you ate, or because it’s been a long time since you’ve had them examined. Either way, your crown or filling needs to be replaced immediately to avoid any further tooth decay or damage. However, if you can’t come in right away, we suggest you apply some dental wax to the top of the tooth to help protect it. Remember to keep up with your regular dental hygiene and come see us as soon as possible. 

4. Knocked-Out Tooth

We see knocked-out teeth all the time, especially when it relates to athletics or car accidents. Sometimes a bad tumble down the stairs can lead to a tooth being knocked loose or falling out completely. For children who are waiting to lose their baby teeth, this may not be detrimental. However, for adults, this might mean the loss of an adult tooth entirely. If the tooth is still intact, move it back in place gently, but try to avoid pushing it too far into the socket. This might help you save your tooth, but we won’t know until we do your full examination. 

5. Abscess

Mouth sores and abscesses should not be ignored. While you might have great dental hygiene, the appearance of one of these can be a sign of another underlying health condition. If you haven’t had your oral cancer screening done, it might be time to talk to us about it. When left untreated, abscesses can spread to other parts of your mouth, pushing the infection deeper into your gums and into your bloodstream, which is a severe medical emergency. 

Call Our Office Today

Dental emergencies shouldn’t be ignored; you should have them treated by a team of dentists you trust. That’s why so many people throughout Carmel, Zionsville, and Fishers, IN, trust David C. Wood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. We treat patients of all ages, so whether you’re looking for routine care, periodontal treatment, or Invisalign orthodontics, it’s time to call our office. Dial (317) 844-0592 and book your appointment today.