The Most Common Dental Emergencies and How to Prevent Them
A sudden, sharp pain in your tooth or a traumatic injury to your mouth can be alarming. Dental emergencies often happen without warning, disrupting your life and causing significant discomfort. While some situations are unavoidable, understanding the most common issues can help you take preventive measures and know when to seek immediate care.
At OnCall Dental in Fresno, our priority is providing sincere, high-quality urgent dental care. Dr. J. Art Mirelez, Jr. and Dr. Christopher Gates are dedicated to helping patients navigate these stressful situations with expert and compassionate treatment. Let’s explore some frequent dental emergencies and how you can protect your smile.
Tooth Abscess: A Serious Infection
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can form at the tip of the root or in the gums next to the root. This condition often results from an untreated cavity, an injury, or prior dental work. Symptoms include a severe, persistent, throbbing toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, and swelling in your face or cheek.
- Prevention: The best defense against an abscess is diligent oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and attending regular dental checkups and cleanings can prevent the decay that often leads to infection. If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, get it treated promptly to seal off any entry points for bacteria.
Chipped or Broken Teeth
A chipped or broken tooth can result from biting down on something hard, a fall, or a sports-related injury. Even minor chips should be evaluated by a dentist, as they can weaken the tooth and make it more susceptible to further damage or decay. A major break can cause intense pain and requires immediate attention.
- Prevention: Avoid chewing on hard items like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy. If you participate in contact sports, always wear a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect your teeth from impact.
Lost Filling or Crown
Fillings and crowns restore the function and shape of damaged teeth, but they don’t last forever. Over time, they can become loose or fall out, especially if new decay develops underneath them. When a restoration is lost, the exposed tooth tissue can be sensitive and is vulnerable to damage.
- Prevention: Good oral hygiene is key to making your dental work last. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to check on your fillings and crowns and spot any potential problems before they become emergencies. Avoid chewing sticky or hard foods with the restored tooth.
When Prevention Isn’t Enough
Despite our best efforts, accidents happen. A sudden fall or an unexpected sports injury can lead to a dental emergency in an instant. In these cases, it’s crucial not to panic but to act fast. Quick and appropriate action can often mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
If you experience a dental emergency, contact OnCall Dental – Fresno immediately. Dr. Mirelez and Dr. Gates are here to provide the urgent care you need to relieve pain, address the problem, and protect your long-term oral health. Our team is committed to getting you back to your life, pain-free, as quickly as possible.
CONTACT ONCALL DENTAL (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):
OnCall Dental – Fresno
5492 N Palm Ave Ste A
Fresno, CA 93704
559-900-2332
