What Is a Dental Emergency?

Common Types of Dental Emergencies

Certain situations clearly qualify as dental emergencies because they involve severe pain, bleeding, or injury that can’t wait for a regular appointment.

Here are some common examples of dental emergencies:

Severe Toothache – Intense, persistent pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers is often a sign of infection or an abscess. Infections can quickly spread, making prompt emergency dental treatment essential.

Broken or Chipped Tooth – A broken tooth can lead to sharp edges that may injure your gums, tongue, or cheeks. Additionally, the exposed nerve can cause significant discomfort, and the tooth becomes more vulnerable to infection.

Knocked-Out Tooth – Time is of the essence with a knocked-out tooth. If you can get to our dentist within an hour, the chances of saving the tooth are much higher. Place the tooth in milk or a tooth preservation solution to increase the likelihood of successful re-implantation.

Lost Filling or Crown – When a filling or crown falls out, it exposes the tooth to potential infection, decay, and sensitivity. Immediate care can prevent further damage to the tooth structure.

Bleeding Gums or Trauma – If your gums are bleeding excessively due to injury or an underlying condition, it may indicate a serious problem that requires urgent care. Trauma to the mouth from accidents should always be evaluated by our emergency dentist.

What Is Not Considered a Dental Emergency?

Not every dental issue requires immediate attention. It’s important to distinguish between true dental emergencies and issues that can wait for a regular dental appointment.

Here are some examples of non-emergencies:

• Minor toothache that goes away with pain relievers.
• Small chips or cracks in a tooth that do not cause pain.
• Loose fillings or crowns that aren’t causing discomfort.
• Slight gum irritation or bleeding after brushing.

While these situations may be uncomfortable or inconvenient, they typically do not require urgent care and can be addressed at your next dental visit.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

If you find yourself experiencing any of the above-mentioned dental emergencies, contact our offices right away. In the meantime, there are a few steps you can take to manage the situation until you can see our emergency dentist in Voorhees and Millville, NJ.

How to handle a dental emergency:

• For a knocked-out tooth, handle the tooth by the crown and rinse it gently with water before placing it in milk.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication if necessary, but avoid aspirin, as it can thin the blood and increase bleeding.
• Keep any broken pieces of a tooth or crown and bring them to your appointment.

Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can help prevent further complications and save your smile. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek advice from one of our professionals.

Schedule an Emergency Appointment

Are you or a loved one experiencing a dental emergency? If so, please call one of the office locations for Solid Rock Dental. Our emergency dentist in Millville and Voorhees, NJ, is accepting new patients and would be more than happy to diagnose and treat the source of your pain.