7 Common Traumatic Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them

A dental emergency can happen out of the blue without warning. While some dental emergencies are painful, not all of them are. Knowing which dental problems are emergencies can help you save your tooth or, in extreme cases, your life. Let’s dive in and learn more about dental emergencies and how Dr. Bindu Kolli at Southfork Dental can help. 

1. Partially Dislodged Tooth

Also called an extruded tooth, partially dislodged teeth happen when trauma causes the tooth to shift out of its normal position while remaining partially in the socket. It’s common to have an extruded tooth because of an accident or sports injury. If you have an extruded tooth, avoid touching it, and don’t attempt to reposition it yourself. You can schedule a same-day appointment with a dentist. 

2. Tooth Is Completely Knocked Out

If you have a tooth completely knocked out, it’s an avulsed tooth. To save your tooth, it’s urgent to take immediate action. While awaiting your appointment with Dr. Kolli, handle the tooth by the crow without touching the root. A dirty tooth needs to be rinsed under running water. If you can re-insert it into the socket, it can help. If not, store it in a jar of milk or a special solution for tooth preservation. 

3. Severe Tooth Fracture

This type of fracture is often below the gum line. A tooth fracture can lead to a serious infection, or you can lose the tooth if you don’t get it treated as soon as possible. With a severe tooth fracture, you may be in a lot of pain. 

4. Dental Abscess or Facial Swelling

If you’ve ever had a dental abscess, you probably knew it immediately. An abscessed tooth is extremely painful, and the pain is rarely relieved with over-the-counter pain medications. A dental abscess is a medical emergency because it can lead to significant health risks if the infection spreads. 

5. Bleeding Is Uncontrollable

An emergency dentist like Dr. Kolli can handle many dental emergencies; don’t delay if you have uncontrollable bleeding. This type of bleeding might occur after surgery or significant trauma, and it’s a medical emergency. If you can’t control the bleeding, call 911.

6. Suspected Broken Bones

If you suspect you have broken a bone in your face or jaw after an injury, Dr. Kolli recommends that you go to the emergency room. Medical professionals must assess and treat this type of injury. 

7. Acute Toothache

In most cases, an acute toothache indicates a possible medical emergency. This type of pain is different from minor or intermittent pain. With an acute toothache, the pain persists and doesn’t go away. You need immediate dental care to determine what is wrong and get relief from the pain. 

Be Prepared for a Dental Emergency

Preparation is the key to being ready when an unexpected dental emergency strikes. 

• Have contact information for our office already programmed into your phone. 
• Keep a dental emergency kit with gauze, a small container to hold a tooth, saline solution, and Dr. Kolli’s office number. 
• Establish a relationship with a dentist like Dr. Kolli to know where to go in an emergency. 

Who to Call If You Suspect Traumatic Dental Emergencies in Irving, Texas

When you have a dental emergency, you’re in good hands with Dr. Bindu Kolli and the team at Southfork Dental in Irving, TX. To learn more, call 469-535-6939 today. 

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