A Few Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can happen at any time and to anyone. They require immediate attention to prevent further complications. Listed below are some of the most common types of dental emergencies.

Toothache

A toothache is a sign that something is not right in your mouth. It may be due to tooth decay, gum disease, or another issue. If you experience a toothache, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to find out what the problem is.

Your dentist can treat the cause of your toothache to stop the pain and prevent further damage to your mouth and teeth. Treatment may include fillings, root canal therapy, or other procedures. In some cases, a patient may need a dental crown to restore a tooth that is too badly decayed or damaged to repair with a filling or dental implant.

Dental Abscess

The technical term for an abscess is a tooth infection, and it can be painful. The most common cause of a tooth abscess is a deep cavity that has reached the pulp and center of the tooth. This can result in severe tooth decay, which can cause bacteria to infect the tooth’s inner layers. When this occurs, the body fights the infection by sending white blood cells to the area to help fight the bacteria. As a result, the area can get swollen and red as the body begins to surround the infected area with puss. This can cause pain to the patient, and they may feel intense pressure in the center of their face.

If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding teeth or into the bloodstream. This can create a serious and potentially life-threatening situation that requires immediate treatment from a dentist. An untreated abscess can result in damage to the teeth and gums that require extensive restorative dental care such as fillings or root canal therapy. In order to avoid these complications, it’s important to receive treatment as soon as you notice symptoms. 

Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth is often the result of an untreated cavity. When cavities aren’t treated, bacteria can enter the pulp of the tooth and cause an infection. These infections can cause extreme pain and even tooth loss if not treated immediately.

Vertical Root Fracture

Vertical root fractures are when the roots on the human’s teeth become fractured. This can happen if the roots have been weakened by periodontal disease. If a root canal isn’t done in a timely manner, this can become an issue as well. In fact, if a patient has a weak immune system, this can actually make the root fracture worse.

Call (408) 830-0123 for an appointment or visit our office at 1298 Kifer Road Suite #501, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. Our dedicated dentists and staff will gladly take care of you!