Dental emergencies can be incredibly stressful. In addition to the pain and the damage to the mouth, there’s also the uncertainty of how the issue is ultimately going to be dealt with. The treatment you receive depends on your situation, so the only way to know for sure what to expect is to schedule an emergency appointment. Nevertheless, knowing about procedures that are commonly performed for a dental emergency can help keep you calm. Below are 4 examples of common emergency treatments.
1. Root Canal Therapy
If you have a toothache caused by a pulp infection, root canal therapy might be the key to stopping your pain. The procedure involves removing the decayed and infected parts of the tooth to stop the damage from spreading any further. Once the infection is gone, you won’t have to worry about further pain or losing your tooth.
It’s important to have root canal therapy performed as quickly as possible. A delay in treatment could give the infection a chance to spread to other parts of the body. If the tooth isn’t treated in time, it might have to be removed altogether. Root canal therapy is often your best chance for keeping your natural smile intact. If your case is particularly complex, your dentist might refer you to an expert endodontist for root canal therapy.
2. Fillings and Crowns
A broken or decayed tooth can’t heal on its own, but it can be repaired with the right type of restoration. Fillings are used to treat cavities as well as minor dental damage. Crowns, meanwhile, are recommended for more significant tooth injuries, such as a sizable crack. You might also receive a crown for a tooth that has been weakened and is threatening to fall apart.
3. Tooth Reattachment
Losing a permanent tooth is always a very serious type of emergency. There’s only a short amount of time to try and reattach it by placing it back in its socket. If you ever have a tooth knocked out, you should try to get to a dentist’s office in less than an hour. They will check to see if the tooth is still viable and take whatever steps are possible to save it.
4. Tooth Extraction
This treatment is always a last resort; teeth can be replaced by bridges, dentures, and implants, but an all-natural smile is ideal for your oral health. Dental experts only recommend a tooth extraction if the tooth in question is completely beyond saving and if there are no other ways to protect your oral health as a whole.
Being familiar with the emergency procedures that your dentist or endodontist has to offer can make it easier for you to seek care when you need it the most. Get in touch with your practice today to see what else they have to offer when it comes to urgent oral health care.
About the Author
Dr. Deborah Bishop is a dedicated endodontic specialist in Huntsville. She is a proud member of the Alabama Dental Association as well as the American Association of Endodontists. She offers root canal therapy for patients who have severe toothaches caused by infection. To schedule a consultation with her, visit her website or call (256) 858-7250.