Categories: Emergency Dentist

Emergency Dentistry: When Immediate Treatment Is Required

Emergency dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses mainly on addressing issues that require urgent treatment. A regular dental appointment might require you to wait one or two weeks for the next open slot on your dentist’s schedule. That is not an option when dealing with dental issues that cause excruciating pain, bleeding or a fever.

Figuring out when emergency dentistry is needed

Not sure which issues require emergency dentistry? Here are common dental problems that require immediate treatment from a dentist.

1. Knocked-out tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the worst dental injuries that a person can go through, but it can be surprisingly easy to treat when the patient makes it to the dentist within a few hours. Knocked-out teeth can be reattached when brought to the clinic within this period.

Not going to a dentist immediately after a tooth is knocked out leads to having to replace the lost tooth with an oral prosthetic. This costs more than simply having a dentist reattach a knocked-out tooth.

2. Infection

Dental infections occur when bacteria get into the pulp chamber. This area houses the blood vessels and nerves of a tooth, and it is normally sealed off so acids and bacteria in the mouth cannot get to the soft tissues in it. When a tooth becomes damaged due to trauma or decay, bacteria are free to infect the area.

An infected tooth often leads to severe toothaches that are impossible to ignore. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas, like the brain.

3. Abscess

An abscess is a pocket of pus that builds up around a tooth’s root or on it. The condition is often accompanied by severe pain, and there is always a risk of the infection spreading to other areas. An abscess requires emergency dental care and dentists often treat it by:

  • Prescribing antibiotics to fight off the infection
  • Draining the pus pocket and medicating the area
  • Performing root canal therapy to clean out the tooth’s pulp chamber

4. Excessive bleeding

Any injury that leads to excessive bleeding in the mouth counts as a dental emergency. For example, a cut to the tongue might bleed severely. Such injuries require emergency care so a dentist can stop the bleeding.

5. Severe toothache

Toothaches are ways that the body lets us know that there is something wrong in the mouth. When a toothache refuses to go away, it is often a sign of a serious problem that counts as a dental emergency. Dentists do not expect anyone to spend weeks in agony waiting for a dental appointment. If your toothache is incredibly painful, it is best to head to a dentist immediately.

Get emergency dental care

Dealing with any of the issues listed above? Give us a call or head to our Wilmington clinic immediately to get the treatment you need.

Request an appointment here: https://drmarieverodriguez.com or call Gentle Care Family Dentistry: Marieve Rodriguez DMD at (302) 655-5862 for an appointment in our Wilmington office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in Wilmington, DE.


Related Posts

November 2, 2023

Worker's Compensation for Dental Veneers - Dental Injury on the Job

Dental veneers are a popular form of treatment used to address injuries that occur to teeth. In the case of workplace dental injuries, veneers are a great option to go with because …

November 2, 2023

General Dentistry: 3 Myths About Dental Exams

Proper oral hygiene is an often-overlooked but important part of a person's dental health, as well as overall health. In general dentistry, routine dental exams are a crucial aspect of oral healthcare …

October 3, 2023

Why Your Family Dentist Recommends Regular X-Rays

Most family dentist recommend regular dental X-rays once a year or more often if the patient is going through certain treatments. Understanding the importance of regular X-rays from your family dentist is …

October 1, 2023

Three Reasons Not to Use Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products can cause teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and undesirable results. Instead, it is best to visit a licensed dentist for teeth whitening treatment. They can ensure the safety and …

Marieve Rodriguez

Recent Posts

Worker’s Compensation for Dental Veneers – Dental Injury on the Job

Dental veneers are a popular form of treatment used to address injuries that occur to…

3 weeks ago

General Dentistry: 3 Myths About Dental Exams

Proper oral hygiene is an often-overlooked but important part of a person's dental health, as…

3 weeks ago

Why Your Family Dentist Recommends Regular X-Rays

Understanding the importance of regular X-rays from your family dentist is helpful.

2 months ago

Three Reasons Not to Use Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products can cause teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and undesirable results. Instead, it…

2 months ago

Invisalign Is a Discreet Teeth Straightening Treatment

Invisalign® clear aligners give you a discreet way to improve the alignment of your teeth.

3 months ago

How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Your Smile

We all want our smiles to look their best, and thankfully, cosmetic dentistry can help…

3 months ago