In dental emergencies, your dentist will take action to prevent damage to your tooth, avoid tooth loss, and reduce pain. As dental emergencies fall into one of two categories, there are only a few common treatments. In addition to the emergency treatment, you will most likely need to return for further appointments.
Treatment for Visibly Damaged Teeth
Unfortunately, teeth damage easily, such as in sports injuries or after biting hard food. This can lead to chips, cracks, fractures, and knocked out teeth.
- Large chips usually require a dental cap or crown. In your emergency visit, your dentist will check the roots and nearby bone. If everything looks fine, he or she will prepare the tooth for a subsequent appointment, at which you will receive the permanent solution.
- In the case of a crack or fracture, your dentist may recommend a veneer to cover the surface of the tooth. Again, the dentist will check for any other problems and prepare the tooth for a later appointment when the veneer is ready.
- If you have knocked out a tooth, your dentist will try to reinsert it, holding it in place in with a splint. For best results, you need to see your dentist within one hour of the accident. You may also need a root canal, either during the emergency appointment or later. If your natural tooth is unable to reattach, your dentist will explore other options to fill the gap, such as an implant.
Treating Pain
The other type of dental emergency is extreme toothache. Your dentist will ask you questions about the pain, including when it started, where it is located, and the severity. He or she will examine your mouth and teeth, in some cases taking X-rays. Treatment for toothache depends on the cause but usually consists of filling the cavity or carrying out root canal treatment.