Broken Tooth

When a Lost or Broken Tooth is Considered a Dental Emergency

It is pretty easy to ignore your teeth. Out of sight, out of mind, right? But when you are faced with a lost or broken tooth, it can bring things into perspective.

As humans, we fail to understand the remarkably delicate structure of our teeth. The vulnerability of our pearly whites to injury or loss can lead to unexpected dental emergencies that require immediate care and attention. 

But when is a lost or broken tooth considered a dental emergency?

Knowing the difference between a routine dental issue and situations that demand immediate attention can be the difference between losing your tooth forever and saving it. By understanding when a lost or broken tooth qualifies as a dental emergency, you, too, can become equipped to navigate a serious crisis. 

Understanding What is a Dental Emergency

To understand when your lost or broken tooth requires urgent care, it is important to know what a dental emergency is. 

A dental emergency is any sudden or unforeseen oral issue that requires immediate attention by a professional to relieve pain, prevent further damage, and save the tooth. The main point that distinguishes a dental emergency from a regular dental problem is the urgency of the issue and the need for prompt action to address it. 

When is a Lost or Broken Tooth Considered a Dental Emergency?

Lost or broken tooth are one of the most common dental emergencies out there. You can become the victim of a lost or broken tooth due to accidents or trauma, dental decay, old restoration failure, etc. 

A lost or broken tooth is considered a dental emergency under the following circumstances:

Severe Pain

Severe pain from a lost or broken tooth indicates potential nerve exposure or damage. This required immediate dental attention to relieve pain and prevent future complications. 

Excessive Bleeding

If you are experiencing excessive or uncontrollable bleeding from the gums or surrounding tissues after losing or breaking a tooth, be confident that it is a dental emergency. You will require prompt intervention to control bleeding and prevent extreme blood loss. 

Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing

Experiencing difficulty in breathing or swallowing due to swelling, trauma, or obstruction after losing or breaking a tooth is another sign of a dental emergency. It signifies a potentially life-threatening situation requiring urgent dental or medical care.

Visible Signs of Infection

Visible signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pus discharge around the lost or broken tooth, could indicate an abscess or bacterial infection. A tooth infection requires immediate treatment to prevent the spread of infection across the mouth and the rest of the body. 

Exposed Nerves or Pulp

A lost or broken tooth can expose the inner layers and leave the tooth nerves or pulp tissue vulnerable to infection. An emergency dentist can address the exposed area and prevent further damage or infection. 

Traumatic Injury

If you have lost or broken a tooth due to a traumatic injury, such as a sports-related accident, a crazy fall, or a serious car accident, it will definitely be considered a dental emergency. Prompt evaluation by a dentist who can assess the damage and provide the required treatment is quite important.

What to Do if You Have a Lost or Broken Tooth

If you are suffering from a lost or broken tooth that you suspect is a dental emergency, take the following steps until you can see an emergency dentist. 

1. Stay Calm: While a lost or broken tooth can be distressing, it’s essential that you stay calm and focused. 

2. Handle the Tooth Carefully: If the tooth is intact but broken, handle it by the crown and avoid touching the root. 

3. Rinse the Tooth: Rinse the tooth gently with water to remove dirt. Do not scrub vigorously or remove any attached tissue fragments.

4. Keep the Tooth Moist: Keeping the tooth moist helps preserve its viability until you seek professional dental care. You can place it in a container of milk or saliva. 

5. Control Bleeding: Apply mild pressure with a clean gauze or cloth to control bleeding, if there is any.

6. Manage Pain & Swelling: Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the injured area to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help manage discomfort.

7. Seek Immediate Dental Care: Contact your dentist or emergency dental clinic as soon as possible to schedule an appointment or seek urgent treatment.

Conclusion

If you do not seek the right dental care promptly, your lost or broken tooth can very easily turn from a minor inconvenience to a major issue. Knowing the signs and symptoms that make a lost or broken tooth a dental emergency can help you take immediate action and avoid further problems.

It also makes your emergency dentist’s life easy as their chances of providing successful treatment improve significantly if you take action at the right time. 

Emergency Dental Services for lost or broken tooth in Mount Vernon

Are you facing a dental emergency due to a lost or broken tooth? Look no further than Diamond Dental for expert emergency dental services! 

Schedule your emergency appointment and receive the best dental care in Mount Vernon. 

Don’t let a broken tooth disrupt your life.

FAQs

Severe pain, excessive bleeding, signs of infection, exposed nerves or pus, or difficulty in breathing and swallowing are some of the signs that your lost or broken tooth qualifies as a dental emergency. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate dental care.

If you experience a dental emergency after hours or on weekends, contact an emergency dental clinic or an on-call dentist immediately. They can provide you with guidance over the phone or schedule an urgent appointment to address your dental issue as soon as possible. 

Yes, a completely knocked-out tooth can often be reimplanted if handled properly and if prompt dental care is sought. It’s essential that you handle the tooth carefully and seek medical care right away, as that can increase the chance of reimplantation. 

At Diamond Dental, we think every smile is individual and deserves individual, high-end care. Located in Bellingham & Mt. Vernon, WA, our modern clinic offers a full range of dental services, from preventative care and cosmetic enhancements to advanced restorative treatments like implants and veneers. Our team of professionals will give you exceptional care in a warm and friendly environment, so you leave with a healthy smile. At Diamond Dental, your smile will shine!

Tooth Colored Fillings

We offer high-quality tooth-colored fillings at Diamond Dental to restore your smile seamlessly. These fillings are made from a durable composite resin that blends naturally with your teeth, providing an aesthetically pleasing solution for cavities and minor damage. Unlike traditional metal fillings, tooth-colored fillings are designed to match the shade of your teeth, ensuring a natural look without compromising strength. Our expert team ensures a comfortable, minimally invasive procedure, helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile with long-lasting results. Choose tooth-colored fillings for a discreet, reliable dental restoration.
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