Emergency Dentistry In Enfield, CT - Pappas Family Dentistry
Knowing what to do during a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving or losing your tooth altogether. In addition to staying calm and acting fast, a dental emergency almost always requires some help from your emergency dentist. Find out more about emergency dentistry and how it works with your Enfield, CT dentist at Pappas Family Dentistry.
What is considered a dental emergency?
Dental emergencies are situations which require immediate dental treatment. A dental emergency most often occurs due to infection, trauma to the tooth, or injury. If you are not sure if your situation is a dental emergency, consider these questions. Are you bleeding from the mouth? Is your face or facial area swollen? Are you in severe pain? Are you missing any teeth? Do you have any loose teeth? Do you have a swollen, painful lump on your gum tissue? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should see your emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Other types of dental emergencies include:
- Inflammation
- Bacterial infection
- Abscess
- Loose tooth
- Knocked out tooth
- Cuts and lacerations to the gums, tongue, lips, and cheeks
- A dislodged or knocked-out tooth
- A cracked or broken tooth
- A toothache
- A broken dental crown, implant or other restoration
- A bitten tongue or cheek
- Broken braces
How should I handle a dental emergency?
Your first reaction to any dental emergency may be to panic. However, it is important to remain calm and think quickly during an emergency. If you are in severe pain, take a moment to assess the situation. If your tooth is missing or broken, save the remaining pieces of tooth and place them into a small container of milk. Take these with you to your dental appointment. If your pain comes from a lump or pimple-like swelling on your gum, swish your mouth with warm salty water and see your dentist as soon as possible. This infection, called a dental abscess, could become very serious or even life-threatening if left untreated. A chipped tooth is normally not considered an emergency though if the chip or crack runs up the tooth underneath the gum line, you should see your emergency dentist.