Anyone can experience a dental emergency. But, some people are more at risk than others. Older adults, especially seniors over 70, are more likely to experience dental emergencies. Additionally, people with medical conditions that affect their oral health have a greater chance of experiencing dental emergencies.

Here are some of the most common reasons why patients visit our office with a dental emergency:

Avulsed Tooth

An avulsed tooth is one that has completely come out of the socket. If you experience this type of dental emergency, it’s important to get to the dentist or emergency room as soon as possible. In the meantime, rinse the tooth with water, being careful not to touch the root. If you can place the tooth back in the socket, do so and bite down to hold it in place. Otherwise, place the tooth in a cup of milk or hold it between your gums and cheek.

Fractured or Cracked Tooth

It is not normal for a tooth to become loose or show decay. When a tooth becomes loose, it may indicate that it has suffered some trauma. Trauma can include vigorous brushing, sudden impacts, or biting into hard foods.

Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth can be repaired with a dental filling. If the chip is small, it can be smoothed out and polished. However, if the chip is large, it can cause structural problems for the tooth. In this case, a dental crown may be a better option.

Knocked-out Tooth

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, the dentist can try to put the tooth back in place and splint it. This is only an option if the tooth isn’t damaged, has clean roots, and has not already been put back in place by the child.

Toothache

A toothache happens when a tooth or gum experiences pain.

You may be able to relieve your toothache at home by rinsing your mouth with warm water and flossing. If you experience bleeding or swelling, you should call us right away. Possible causes of toothaches include:

Broken Dental Work

Broken dental work is one of the most common dental emergencies that patients face. If you have a broken tooth, you should call your dentist right away. Your dentist may be able to repair the tooth, or they may recommend replacing it with a prosthetic.

If your broken tooth is painful, you should be certain to see your dentist right away. A broken tooth can be extremely painful, especially while chewing.

Loose, Dislodged Crown

A loose, dislodged crown may be dislodged if the cement washes out from underneath. This can cause the underlying tooth to become sensitive and require a root canal. If your crown is loose, contact us to schedule an emergency appointment. We may be able to recement the crown in place.

How Can I Prevent Dental Emergencies?

The best way to prevent a dental emergency is to keep up with your regular dental exams and dental cleanings. Regular exams allow potential problems to be caught at an early stage. By seeing your dentist regularly, problems such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer can be detected and treated as soon as possible.

The connection between oral health and overall well-being has become more evident in recent years. Studies have linked poor oral health to other major health concerns, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and premature birth. Maintaining regular dental visits can help to reduce your risk for many major health concerns.

To know more about the dental practice, call us at (262) 886-9440 and schedule an appointment to visit the dentist in Racine, WI.