What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any dental problem that requires immediate attention. You might be having a dental emergency if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Bleeding from the mouth
  • Severe pain
  • Injury to the face
  • Swelling in the mouth or face
  • Bulges or swelling in the gums

What to do During a Dental Emergency in Plainville, CT

Dental emergencies often require immediate action. if you experience one of the following emergencies, there are some things you can do while you wait to get to a Plainville dentist for emergency services.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

If you have a knocked-out permanent tooth, pick the tooth up from the crown and rinse the tooth off without touching the roots. You can attempt to place the tooth back into the socket by gently holding it in place and biting down. If you cannot get the tooth back into place, keep it moist by holding it in the inside of your cheek or in milk. Following these steps and getting to an emergency dentist right away is crucial in saving your tooth.

Loose Tooth

For a loose tooth, try to keep the tooth in place by gently biting down. Get to an emergency dental provider right away so the tooth can be stabilized and treated.

Cracked or Fractured Tooth

A cracked or fractured tooth indicates damage on the inside as well as the outside of the tooth. If this occurs, gently rinse your mouth with warm water. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever or use an ice pack to minimize pain until you can get to an emergency dentist in Plainville. You may need root canal treatment to treat any internal infection, as well as a crown or inlay procedure to restore the tooth to proper function.

Tissue Injury

Tissue injuries include any severe injury inside the mouth such as puncture wounds, tears in the lips, or a cut cheek or tongue. If you have a tissue injury, wash the area with warm water and use gauze to help stop bleeding. You should then get to an oral surgeon or emergency room right away.

Extreme Toothache

Toothaches happen from time to time and are usually signs of other issues such as infection or tooth decay. You may be able to alleviate your pain by swishing cold or lukewarm water, but you should still get to an emergency dentist in Plainville as soon as you can.

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Tooth Abscess

Tooth abscesses are no joke. These infections of the gum tissue can eat away at the root of the tooth below the gum line and if left untreated can even spread to other parts of the body. An emergency dentist can offer the care and treatment you need to get rid of the infection before it’s too late.

If you are unsure whether or not you are having a dental emergency, call your dentist (or have someone else call) and explain exactly what happened and what you are experiencing. This can also help them prepare their office for your arrival and get you the immediate attention you need.

Avoiding Dental Emergencies

The best way to avoid a dental emergency is to protect your mouth and teeth. This can be done by wearing a mouth guard while playing sports and other activities that involve possible contact, avoiding chewing on ice or other hard foods, and not attempting to open things with your teeth.

Many dental emergencies can be avoided with regular visits to your dentist. Your dentist can check for signs of a loose or weakened tooth, cavities, signs of decay, and any sores. Addressing these problems early can prevent them from turning into dental emergencies.

24-Hour Dental Care

Not all dental emergencies happen during normal business hours. For patients who need emergency dental care outside of most dentists’ hours of availability, there are dentists in Plainville who are available 24/7 to handle late-night accidents and illnesses.

24-hour dentists can be hard to find, but your best bet is the nearest hospital’s emergency room. The hospital may employ a dentist to be available in the ER for late-night dental care needs, although this is not guaranteed. In any case, if you are in extreme pain or have uncontrollable bleeding, go to the hospital no matter what.

Emergency Dentists in Plainville, CT

If you are having a dental emergency, call IKON Dental Group at (860) 400-0196 now. For non-emergency inquiries such as scheduling your first appointment, you can call or fill out an online contact form, and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can.

Root Canal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are root canals painful?

There are a lot of misconceptions around root canals. They are known for being painful, but withrnthe help of local anesthesia, you won’t feel a thing during the procedure. At most, you may feelrnsome light pressure.

What is a root canal for?

A root canal is used to treat and repair a damaged or infected tooth. You may need a root canal due to a cracked or injured tooth or because of tooth decay. During the procedure, the infected pulp inside the tooth will be removed, and the rest of the area will be cleaned and disinfected.

What can I do to avoid needing a root canal in the future?

There are many ways you can avoid needing a root canal in the future, including brushing and flossing regularly, using mouthwash, getting regular cleanings, having any cavities filled, and wearing a mouthguard when necessary.

What should I do after having a root canal?

After your root canal, you’ll want to take any medications your provider recommends and avoid putting too much strain or pressure on your teeth. You can brush and floss as usual, but you’ll want to be gentle around the affected area. You’ll also want to stick to softer foods.

Is there anything I should avoid eating after a root canal?

You’ll want to stay away from hard or sticky foods as they could negatively affect the tooth that was worked on. You’ll also want to avoid very hot and very cold foods and drinks.

Directions from Plainville, CT 06062

Dr. Izaz Khan

Dentist at Ikon Dental Group

Dr. Khan holds a Bachelor's in Physiology and Neurobiology from the University of Connecticut, a Master's in Biomolecular Sciences from Central Connecticut State University, and a dental degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He completed his residency in comprehensive dental care at the Samuel Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, NY.