Emergency Dentist

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency encompasses a wide range of factors. In most cases, a dental emergency is characterized by extreme pain, discomfort, and the inability to open your mouth. However, there are specific issues that fall under the umbrella of a dental emergency:

Spontaneous tooth instability

As an adult, your permanent should be stable and never move. If you notice that your tooth is moving or might fall out, it’s crucial that you call Dr. Welch immediately for him to restabilize it or suggest treatment to replace it if the damage is irreparable.

Fractured, cracked, or chipped tooth

A fracture, cracked, or chipped tooth is one of the most common types of dental emergency. When this happens, it typically means that a piece of your enamel has broken off.

Seeing as your enamel is one of the most durable substances in your body, any damage to it needs to be addressed immediately. You’ll know how dire your situation is based on how badly it hurts. If the pain is minimal, the odds are that you can wait a day before booking an appointment.

If your pain is acute and debilitating, get in touch with Dr. Welch immediately.

Tissue injury

Lacerations, puncture wounds, and lip, cheek, and mouth tears all define a tissue injury. These injuries can lead to painful side effects if left untreated.

A knocked-out tooth

Knocked-out teeth are the most extreme dental emergency. If your tooth is knocked out, it typically means that the nerve and tissue surrounding the affected tooth have suffered from a severe blow. If you address this quickly enough, you might be able to heal the affected area.

What should you do for a knocked-out tooth?

As mentioned above, a knocked-out tooth is a dire emergency. If your tooth is knocked out, you should avoid touching the area at all costs. Rinse it out with milk. If possible, try and place the tooth back into the socket.

If placing it back into the socket is impossible or too painful, place it in a cup of milk and call Dr. Welch immediately.

Is an abscess considered a dental emergency?

Abscesses refer to swollen areas within the mouth that have pockets of pus. These are considered one of the leading types of dental emergencies. You should contact Dr. Welch if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Swelling and redness in the gum
• Lingering pain
• Fever
• Tooth sensitivity
• Open sore inside the mouth

These are all signs of an abscess, and you should contact Muncie Dental Care & Denture Center immediately if you experience any of them.

Immediate care during an emergency is the most important. Book an appointment at Muncie Dental Care online or by phone Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM.