Dental emergencies are time-sensitive issues that require immediate intervention to alleviate pain, prevent further damage, and mitigate potential long-term consequences. Timely treatment can save teeth, reduce systemic infections, and avoid more invasive and costly treatments in the future.

Not all emergency dental work Raleigh NC problems are considered emergency situations, however. True emergencies that warrant an ER visit include severe mouth or jaw bleeding, and a displaced or knocked-out tooth.

Broken Tooth

Although the enamel that covers your teeth is the strongest tissue in your body, it’s not invincible. Falls, blows to the face, or even biting down on something hard can cause a tooth to break or crack. A cracked or broken tooth requires prompt treatment from a dentist to minimize pain and prevent long-term problems.

Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth affects only a small portion of the outer enamel, and it typically doesn’t hurt. However, a cracked or chipped tooth can expose the dentin layer underneath, which is sensitive to hot and cold, and may be more susceptible to infection.

Apply pressure with a piece of gauze to control bleeding. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain until you can reach a dentist. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with a broken tooth, and stick to soft foods to protect it. For extra comfort, a topical dental anesthetic gel can help.

Toothache

A toothache is caused by inflammation of the central portion of your tooth called pulp, which contains sensitive nerves and blood vessels. If left untreated, a simple toothache can become an abscess, which is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. Painkillers can be taken to help reduce pain and discomfort while you wait for a dentist appointment. Regular oral hygiene practices (twice daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash) can help prevent emergency dental work Raleigh NC such as cavities and gum disease.

It may be hard to tell whether your tooth pain is an emergency. Bleeding that won’t stop, severe or constant pain, and a cracked tooth are all indications that you need urgent dental care. Depending on the cause of your toothache, you will likely require antibiotics or a root canal. The procedure involves removing the infected area of the tooth, disinfecting it, and sealing it. Afterward, you will need to get a new filling or crown.

Tooth Fracture

Tooth fractures can range from tiny, virtually invisible cracks to large breaks that cause part of a tooth to separate from the rest. Unlike broken bones that “knit” together, cracked teeth never heal on their own and require immediate emergency dental work Raleigh NC attention.

Symptoms of a fractured tooth may include pain that comes and goes, especially when chewing or biting down. It is also common to experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods.

Often, minor fractures do not hurt, but are a sign of damage within the inner parts of the tooth. The condition can be identified by a thorough clinical evaluation, a review of the patient’s history, and diagnostic testing. Radiographs are typically required, and multiple x-ray projections at various angulations are recommended. Proper management of these conditions depends on a coordinated team approach among endodontists, restorative dentists, and periodontists. Patients who receive prompt treatment have a greater chance of saving their broken teeth. A fractured tooth that is not treated can lead to the formation of periapical lesions, which may ultimately result in the need for root canal therapy or tooth extraction.

Tooth Extraction

The goal is always to repair and save the natural tooth, but if that’s not possible an extraction might be needed. This procedure can be performed by a general dentist or oral surgeon. Some reasons for an extraction include extensive damage that can’t be repaired with a filling or crown, crowded teeth that require removal to allow other healthy teeth to straighten, or impacted teeth that cannot break through the gum.

Before attempting an extraction the dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic and, in some cases, dental sedation. Next the dentist loosens the tooth by rocking it back and forth and then extracts it with forceps. The patient may feel some pressure, but this is because the anesthetic has numbed nerves that transmit pain and the doctor is simply gently loosening and pulling.

The dental nurse plays a critical role in all extractions by checking the patient’s details, medical history and allergies, as well as providing confirmation that the correct tooth is being removed. The dental nurse also ensures that cross-infection procedures are followed during and after the treatment.