A dental emergency can be the result of an accident at home or during sports that requires immediate dental care to preserve your teeth or gums.
Dr. Rapal offers emergency dental services to address a variety of issues that threaten your oral health. You may need to schedule a visit for a dental emergency to treat:
If you have another dental health concern but aren’t sure whether it’s an emergency, you can call the office of Kiran Rapal DDS, Inc. to discuss your options with the dental team.
Toothaches
A toothache is a pain or discomfort felt in or around a tooth, often caused by irritation or inflammation of the tooth’s nerve or surrounding tissues. It can range from mild, occasional sensitivity to severe, throbbing pain that may radiate to the jaw or ear. Common causes include tooth decay, infection, gum disease, a cracked tooth, or an exposed root. In some cases, the pain may worsen when chewing, consuming hot or cold foods, or lying down.
Chipped or broken teeth
A chipped or broken tooth occurs when a part of the tooth’s enamel or structure is damaged due to trauma, biting something hard, or decay weakening the tooth. The damage can range from a small, cosmetic chip to a deep fracture that exposes the inner layers, causing pain or sensitivity. Depending on the severity, it may affect the tooth’s appearance, function, and health, and often requires dental treatment to restore its shape and protect it from further damage or infection.
Knocked-out teeth
A knocked-out tooth, also called an avulsed tooth, happens when a tooth is completely dislodged from its socket due to trauma or injury. This is a dental emergency because the tooth can often be saved if treated quickly—ideally within an hour. The tooth should be handled carefully by the crown (not the root), kept moist in milk or saline, and brought to a dentist immediately for possible reinsertion and stabilization.
Lost filling or crowns
A lost filling or crown occurs when a dental restoration that protects or restores a damaged tooth becomes loose or falls out. This can expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, leading to discomfort, pain, or sensitivity to temperature and pressure. It may also make the tooth more vulnerable to decay or further damage. Prompt dental care is needed to replace or repair the restoration and prevent complications.
Bleeding and pain after tooth extraction
Bleeding and pain after a tooth extraction are common immediate effects as the body begins to heal the empty socket. Mild bleeding and soreness typically last for a few hours, while tenderness may persist for a few days. However, excessive or prolonged bleeding, severe pain, or a bad taste in the mouth may indicate complications such as a dislodged blood clot or infection.
Bleeding gums
Bleeding gums occur when the gum tissue becomes irritated, inflamed, or damaged, often during brushing or flossing. The most common cause is gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), though it can also result from poor oral hygiene, vitamin deficiencies, or using a hard-bristled toothbrush. While occasional minor bleeding may not be serious, persistent bleeding gums can indicate underlying infection or inflammation and should be evaluated by a dentist to prevent further oral health problems.
While you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Rapal for any dental emergency, there are things you can do to save your tooth until you get to the office.
If an injury knocks out an adult tooth, it’s important to keep it moist until your appointment. You may be able to place the tooth back in its original location to protect the root. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth between your cheek and gums but be careful not to swallow it. You can also place the lost tooth in a cup of milk.
When you crack or break a tooth, be sure to rinse your mouth out with warm water to flush out debris. You can use an ice pack to prevent swelling and keep you comfortable until you can see Dr. Rapal.
If you have a persistent toothache due to an injury or infection, you can use over-the-counter medications to temporarily relieve pain.
During your visit with Dr. Rapal, she takes time to evaluate the type of damage you have or identify the cause of your pain. She uses the latest digital X-ray technology to get a clear understanding of your overall dental health, so she can create the right treatment plan.
If you have a cracked or broken tooth, Dr. Rapal can restore the tooth using a dental-safe material that closely matches the shade and shape of your other teeth. She may need to remove some of the damaged tooth material to optimize your results.
If you or your child loses an adult tooth, Dr. Rapal may be able to save your tooth by placing it back in your gum. To increase your chances of success, you need to visit the office within 30-60 minutes of the incident.
To treat an infection, Dr. Rapal may prescribe a course of antibiotics. If the infection is already abscessed, you may need a procedure to drain away fluids before starting antibiotics.
To discuss your dental emergency, call the office of Kiran Rapal DDS, Inc. or request a consultation through the online booking system today.