The Dental Emergencies You Should Be Looking Out For

If you keep on top of your dental hygiene and visit the dentist as regularly as is recommended, your teeth should be free from any ailments or your dentist should be able to spot them at their earliest. Sometimes, however, a dental emergency can occur, and you need to know what you are looking for and when it is time to make an emergency appointment. Below are four of the most common dental emergencies and how to spot them.

Dental Abscess

The most common of the dental emergencies is a dental abscess. If left untreated, this can cause a variety of further problems such as cellulitis. A dental abscess can cause a lot of pain and is noticeable by a redness or swelling in the area of the abscess. As it is caused by a bacterial infection, the longer it is left, the worse it will become, hence why it is the most common dental emergency. If you believe you have an abscess, you should book an appointment immediately.

Tooth Fractures

Just as you would treat a broken bone immediately, a broken tooth should also be seen to straight away. This is commonly a sporting injury and happens more in children than adults, as they tend to fracture teeth whilst playing. You will need to be seen by a professional to see what can be repaired.

Pulpitis

Pulpitis is a nasty inflammation of the pulp tissue which can be caused by other dental emergencies such as those listed above. Pulpitis can be diagnosed in two different ways, reversible and irreversible. Reversible pulpitis has symptoms such as tooth sensitivity. If left untreated, reversible pulpitis can cause further damage such as cellulitis. Reversible pulpitis is treated with a filling to the affected tooth. Irreversible pulpitis is a lot more serious and will cause pain in the area and can also cause cellulitis. This is commonly treated with a tooth extraction.

Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis is an inflammation in the gum surrounding a new tooth that has formed and can cause swelling and be extremely painful. It needs to be treated with dental irrigation, which is a dental procedure in which the dentist uses a tool to clean the area. Antibiotics can be used to treat any cellulitis if it has occurred.

To avoid dental emergencies, visit the dentist regularly. Most dental practices offer same day appointments for dental emergencies, so call us at 718-535-1196 or email us today to schedule an appointment with the best dentist in Staten Island.