4 Common Dental Emergencies (and How to Prevent Them!)

On a typical summer evening, heading to your local theatre to watch the newest movie would be a must. In light of the current pandemic, you decide an at-home movie night will do the trick. After setting up your TV, dimming the lights, and popping a fresh bag of popcorn (with butter!), you plop down on your couch for a relaxing night ahead. But before the opening credits are over, your teeth come down hard on a rogue kernel and you immediately feel pain stemming from your mouth. Goodbye movie night, hello dentist!

To prevent this from happening to you, read on for common dental emergencies, as well as prevention and treatment options.

#1. A Knocked-Out Tooth

According to the American Association of Endodontics, a whopping five million teeth are knocked out each year! Largely, these accidents occur during sports-related activities, both contact and non-contact alike. To prevent this anxiety-inducing dental emergency from happening to you, talk to your dentist about getting fitted for a custom mouthguard. That way, your teeth, gums, and overall oral health will be protected from hard falls and accidental blows to the face.

#2. A Toothache

Whether it was a dull, consistent discomfort or sharp, stabbing pain, almost everyone has experienced a toothache at some point in their lives. Since they are common, it can be tempting to write it off as just another part of being an adult. However, the nerves in your teeth are designed to experience pain when something is wrong, so it is important not to dismiss! After all, the ache could be stemming from serious dental issues, including an infection or severe tooth decay. So, always make sure to contact your dentist as soon as the first symptoms arise!

#3. Loose or Lost Dental Crown

Dental crowns are highly effective and can last 10+ years. However, they are not impervious to fractures or cavities. Therefore, a poor oral hygiene routine or bad dental habits can cause them to become loose and even get lost. If this occurs, call your dentist immediately for a same-day appointment. That way, a new crown can be placed before further damage or an infection occurs.

#4. Cracked or Chipped Tooth

You may have done it 1,000 times before, but all it takes is one bite into hard candy or piece of ice for your tooth to immediately crack or chip. If you or a loved one has experienced something similar, then you know there are few things as important as finding fast, effective relief. Fortunately, an urgent trip to your dentist can provide you with the pain-relief you need while simultaneously treating the root of the issue!

To protect your teeth from one of the above dental injuries, it is of the utmost importance to practice proper prevention. That way, you can protect your teeth from painful (and potentially costly!) dental emergencies!

About the Author

For over three decades, Dr. Terry F. Rakowsky has helped patients achieve their dream smile with an integrity-based, quality-first approach to care. In addition to being a member of multiple reputable organizations, including the American Dental Association, Dr. Rakowsky has completed continuing education at the prestigious Dawson Academy. If you or a loved one are looking for an emergency dentist or same-day urgent appointment, visit his website or give him a call at 215-348-2224.