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Dental emergencies can occur when you least expect them. They can ruin your day, cause you pain, and make it difficult to function at work or at home. Here are some of them:

Toothache

Sudden and severe pain in your tooth can be a sign of a significant underlying problem that requires emergency dental care, such as an abscessed tooth. It's best to contact a professional as quickly as possible when you suspect you have an abscessed tooth. If an abscess is left untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw bone and even to other parts of the body. Contacting an emergency dentist right away can ensure that the problem is treated before it gets out of hand.

A toothache can also be a sign of trouble with the nerves in the tooth. If your tooth hurts when you chew or when you put pressure on it, it may be a problem with the nerve. This could be the result of tooth decay or a cavity that has reached the pulp, which is the place where the nerve is located. This can be treated with a root canal procedure.

Broken/Chipped Teeth

A broken or chipped tooth is one of the most common types of dental emergencies. If a tooth is cracked into several pieces, it can be painful to chew food or apply pressure to the affected side. If the chip is small, it may be possible to repair the damaged tooth with a filling or crown. For larger chips, the tooth may require more extensive treatment, such as a root canal in Plantation. If you suspect your tooth might be broken or damaged, please call our office right away. 

Knocked-Out Tooth

If you knock a tooth out, make sure you pick it up by the crown and not the root. Rinse the tooth off and try to put it back into the socket while biting down gently on a piece of gauze or cloth to keep it in place. If you can't get the tooth back into place, place it in a glass of milk until you can get to your dentist's office. Taking quick action can help save your tooth from being lost for good!

Swollen Jaw

A swollen jaw could be a warning sign of infection in your tooth or gums, or it could be an indication of an allergic reaction to a medication you've been prescribed or simply food you ate. If you're experiencing swelling in your jaw and it's accompanied by pain, you'll want to call your dentist right away. Early detection of infection can mean the difference between a simple procedure and a more complicated one. Your dentist will be able to prescribe the appropriate antibiotics or other treatments to manage the issue.

Object Stuck in Teeth

If you can't dislodge an object that's stuck between your teeth, don't try to do it yourself. You could damage your gums or break a tooth! Carefully rinse your mouth out with warm water to remove the object. Then, call your dentist right away to make an appointment for an emergency visit. They may be able to remove it during your appointment!

Visit Dr. Ernie Soto at 10187 Cleary Blvd. Suite 103, Plantation 33324, or call (954) 368-626.