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Dental Emergencies

When a dental emergency occurs, the specific treatment will depend on the nature and severity of the emergency, but here are some common dental emergencies and how we may handle them: 

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Toothache: A dentist will first assess the cause of the toothache, which could be due to tooth decay, infection, or other issues. They Will usually take X-rays to diagnose the problem accurately. Treatment options may include fillings/ crowns, root canal therapy, or extraction of the involved tooth/teeth.  

Broken or chipped tooth: If a tooth is broken or chipped, the dentist will evaluate the extent of the damage and may use dental bonding, dental veneers, or dental crowns to restore the tooth's structure and appearance. Severe cases may require extraction and replacement with a dental implant or bridge.

Knocked-out tooth: If a tooth is completely knocked out, it is essential to seek dental care immediately. The dentist may attempt to re-implant the tooth if conditions permit. The patient should keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or saline solution and bring it to the dentist. If re-implantation is not possible, the dentist will discuss replacement options such as dental implants or bridges.

Loose or displaced tooth: A dentist will assess the stability and position of the tooth. In some cases, they may be able to reposition and stabilize the tooth using splints or orthodontic appliances. If the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary.

Dental abscess: An abscess is an infection that forms in the root of a tooth or in the gum tissue. These infections can present with a range of pain symptoms, from no pain to severe pain.  Root canal therapy or extraction are typically required to treat the underlying cause of the abscess.  Sometimes an antibiotic will be prescribed to reduce the symptoms, but it is not a direct treatment to resolve the problem.  

Soft tissue injuries: Dentists can also provide treatment for injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth, such as lacerations or tears to the lips, tongue, or cheeks. They may clean the wound and suture it if necessary.

It's important to note that in a dental emergency, it's crucial to contact a dentist or emergency dental clinic promptly. They will provide appropriate guidance over the phone and schedule an appointment, as soon as their schedule can allow, to address the emergency effectively.

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