Types of Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them

Types of Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them

Dental emergencies can occur at any time, and it is crucial to know how to handle them. Not all dental issues require immediate attention, but some do. You should not ignore dental emergencies, as they can lead to severe problems. Therefore, it is vital to be aware of the different kinds of dental emergencies and what steps to take to deal with them.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

A broken or chipped tooth can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as biting hard food or accidents. If you have a broken or chipped tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the affected area to decrease swelling. If the tooth is sensitive to cold, avoid drinking or eating hot or cold foods and call your dentist immediately. Your dentist at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry may recommend a dental restoration like a dental crown.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If your tooth gets knocked out due to an injury, do not clean the tooth or remove any tissue attached to it. Rinse the tooth with milk or saline and try to put it back into the socket if possible. If you cannot put it back in place, put the tooth in a cup of milk or keep it in your mouth, between the cheek and the teeth, and seek dental care immediately. Saving the knocked-out tooth will be vital for our dentists to have a chance to re-implant it or give another tooth replacement option.

Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth results when a cavity or gum disease goes untreated and the infection spreads to the root of the tooth. An abscessed tooth is painful and can cause a fever, swelling in the mouth, or ear pain. If you have an abscess, you need to visit Kissing Camels Family Dentistry as soon as possible. Our dentists may perform root canal surgery to save the tooth or drain the pus from the abscess. Otherwise, the infection can spread to your jaw, neck, or other parts of your body.

Lost Crown or Filling

A lost filling or crown is not life-threatening but can cause discomfort and sensitivity. If a crown or filling gets lost, rinse your mouth with warm water, and try to place the crown or filling back into the tooth with toothpaste. If you can’t, keep it safe and contact us immediately. It’s essential to replace the lost filling or crown to save the tooth from further damage and prevent bacteria and food from entering the cavity.

Severe Toothache

If you are experiencing severe toothache, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and floss gently. Try to remove any food particles lodged between your teeth. If the pain persists, avoid over-the-counter painkillers and avoid putting aspirin or any other medication directly on the tooth or gum. Call Kissing Camels Family Dentistry immediately if the pain persists as it could mean tooth decay, gum problems, or infection.

Contact Us

Dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, and it’s essential to know the types of dental emergencies and how to handle them. Broken or chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, abscessed teeth, lost crowns or fillings, and severe toothaches are the most common dental emergencies that can occur. If you experience any of these dental emergencies, it’s crucial to seek immediate dental care. By seeking professional dental help, you can prevent more severe problems and save your teeth. Remember, quick action on dental emergencies makes a difference. Contact us at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry for all your dental emergencies, including routine checkups and cleaning.

Signs and Symptoms of a Tooth Infection

signs and symptoms of a tooth infection - dr. boals

Signs and Symptoms of a Tooth Infection

Do you have an awful toothache? Maybe you’ve noticed a little swelling of the gum or jaw. Does your tooth seem to be a different color? You might be experiencing a severe tooth infection. Each tooth has a nerve, which is also known as the pulp. When your tooth becomes infected, the pulp is affected. If left untreated, a tooth abscess will eventually form, and your tooth will begin to deteriorate even more. There are several signs and symptoms of a tooth infection. Below, our dentists in Colorado Springs, CO, explain what you can expect when experiencing a tooth infection. It might be a severe tooth infection.

How a Tooth Gets Infected

Tooth infections occur when bacteria reach your tooth’s root or pulp. This is usually due to unfilled cavities and lack of good oral hygiene. Tooth infections can be prevented. Unfortunately, infected teeth can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. If your tooth does become infected, your emergency dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, may recommend a root canal to save your tooth. 

Recognizing the signs of an infection is essential, so you can seek immediate treatment from your Colorado Springs endodontist.

Signs Your Tooth is Infected 

A typical sign of a tooth infection is a pain when eating and drinking. The infection or abscess spreads from the tip of the root, causing it to affect the gum and bone. Dr. Green, an emergency dentist in Parker, CO, says the throbbing pain may be so severe that your aches are not relieved by pain medication. This may be because the infection has spread even further. If you’re experiencing a tooth abscess, the pain will be more prominent. ‍

Dr. Boals shares a few signs of tooth infection:

  • The tooth is darker than the rest of the teeth.
  • You experience swelling of the lymph nodes in your jaw, face, and surrounding area. 
  • Your gum is swollen, and an abscess has formed. The raised swelling around your infected tooth may look similar to a pimple—an open pimple, which is a sure-fire sign of an infection. Dr. Moghadam, an emergency dentist in Easton, PA, recommends calling your dentist immediately if an abscess has formed. This means the infection has gotten much worse.
  • A bad taste in your mouth
  • Pain when opening or closing your mouth.
  • Fever 

How to Treat a Tooth Infection

Many say that a tooth infection is one of the worst feelings ever. Luckily, there are several ways to treat a tooth infection. Your Colorado Springs dentist may suggest root canal therapy if the tooth has not completely deteriorated. A root canal is completely pain-free and is designed to eliminate the infection by removing the root and nerve endings’ infection. Alternatively, to remove the infection and prevent a recurrence, Dr. Boals may need to perform a surgical tooth extraction. If your tooth is healthy except for the infection, prescription antibiotics may help eliminate the infection. Your tooth infection treatment all depends on the severity of your infection. 

If Your Tooth is Infected, What Should You Do?

If you’re experiencing a toothache, contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry immediately. Your tooth infection or the abscessed tooth will not go away on its own. The infection can spread throughout the body.

The best way to remove the tooth infection  and avoid any further dental risks, Dr. Boals will give you a full mouth evaluation. From there, we will decide the best treatment plan. Contact our dental office in Colorado Springs, CO, today. 

Causes of Tooth Pain

Causes of Tooth Pain -Dr. Boals

Causes of Tooth Pain

Many patients agree that a toothache is the worst type of pain they have ever experienced. Tooth pain is a sign that something is wrong, but what are the causes of tooth pain? So, the sooner you visit Kissing Camels Family Dentistry in Colorado Springs, the sooner we can relieve your pain.

In our experience, the vast majority of toothaches are due to tooth decay or advanced periodontal (gum) disease. Most episodes of tooth pain start when you eat or drink something cold, hot, or sweet. The pain shows that the dental pulp inside the affected tooth has been irritated by what you have just eaten or drank.

What Causes Tooth Pain?

The best way to know what is causing your toothache is to undergo a thorough exam done by your dentist in Colorado Springs, CO. Generally, the issues below can trigger tooth pain:

  • Gum disease
  • Dental infections
  • Trauma to the tooth
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)
  • Tooth eruption (this applies to babies and school-going kids)
  • Bite issues

What Symptoms Accompany a Toothache?

The specific symptoms that accompany a toothache may vary depending on the underlying cause of the toothache. Dr. Boals, the best dentist in Colorado Springs CO, recommends that you take note of anything out of the ordinary, such as an unusual taste or a discharge from the area around the painful tooth.

Dr. Kristina Neda, a Georgetown KY dentist, highly recommends visiting your local dentist if you notice puss oozing from your tooth or gums, or when your teeth are loose, and tissues are inflamed. 

Why Would I Still Feel Pain Even as My Dentist Says My Teeth and Jaw Are Fine?

The human body manifests pain in many different ways, and sometimes, what you initially describe as tooth pain may be totally different. For example, we have seen cases of patients whose severe stress, heart conditions, or even cancer manifested as tooth pain.

In such a case, your dentist in Colorado Springs may be unable to pinpoint exactly why you are experiencing tooth pain.

Dr. Boals also explains that people suffering from severe allergies can have a lot of pressure exerted upon their sinuses. This pressure can extend to the molars in your upper jaw, and that could trigger tooth pain.

In this situation, your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine for allergies. If the allergies subside, but the tooth pain remains, see Dr. Boals as soon as you can.

It is also important for you to provide as much detail as possible when describing your pain to Dr. Boals. Some of the words pointing in this direction include:

  • Tingling
  • Searing
  • Electric
  • Numbness 
  • Burning
  • Stabbing 

Try your best to explain your pain. The more we know, the better we can understand how to treat your pain.

No one should have to live with tooth pain every single day. If you suspect that something doesn’t feel right, pay us a visit at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry. Dr. Boals will examine you and recommend the best course of action so that you can return to peak oral health quickly. Don’t make the costly mistake of thinking the pain is minor, and it can wait. You could end up with serious dental issues! If you’re in need of emergency dentistry, call our office right away!