A dental emergency is a dental problem or injury that involves the teeth, gums, or mouth that requires immediate attention from a dental professional. It typically involves severe pain, trauma, or an urgent dental condition that cannot wait for a regular dental appointment.

Dental emergencies can occur for various reasons, such as accidents, injuries, infections, or sudden onset of severe dental issue symptoms. In the event of a dental emergency, it is crucial to contact our dentist at Burien Family Dental Care, as soon as possible. Our dentist can assess the situation, provide necessary treatment, and alleviate pain or discomfort.

Common Dental Emergencies

• Severe Toothache

Persistent, intense tooth pain not relieved by over-the-counter pain medications may indicate an underlying dental issue, such as an abscessed tooth or tooth decay.

• Knocked-Out Tooth

Immediate dental attention is necessary if a tooth is completely knocked out due to trauma or injury. The chances of saving the tooth are higher if reimplanted quickly.

• Broken or Fractured Tooth

A broken or fractured tooth can cause pain, sensitivity, or sharp edges that can damage the tongue, lips, or gums. Prompt treatment is required to prevent further damage and potential infection.

• Loose Tooth

Teeth should not be loose except during the natural process of baby tooth loss. A loose tooth in an adult may indicate an underlying dental problem, such as gum disease or dental trauma.

• Dental Abscess

An abscess is a painful infection around the tooth root or gums. It is often accompanied by swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth. Dental abscesses require immediate treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.

• Severe Oral Bleeding

Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth, such as excessive bleeding after a dental procedure or injury, requires immediate attention to stop and prevent complications.

Causes of Dental Emergencies

• Accidents and Trauma

Dental emergencies often occur due to accidents or trauma to the mouth. This can include falls, sports-related injuries, car accidents, or any impact to the face or jaw that leads to tooth fractures, knocked-out teeth, or soft tissue injuries.

• Tooth Decay and Infections

Untreated tooth decay can progress to the point where it causes severe pain, abscesses, or dental infections. The bacteria in the mouth can penetrate the tooth, leading to infection and inflammation of the tooth pulp or surrounding tissues.

• Gum Disease

Advanced gum disease, or periodontal disease, can cause gum recession, infections, or abscesses. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to severe pain, swelling, and even tooth loss.

• Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when the third molars do not have enough space to emerge or develop fully. This can lead to pain, swelling, infection, and even damage to adjacent teeth, necessitating emergency treatment.

If you experience a dental emergency, contact Burien Family Dental Care at 112 SW 160th Burien, WA 98166, or call (206) 244-6774 for the best dental care.