Did you know that you should be visiting your local dentist at least twice per year? That's right, you should have two routine check-up visits to make sure your teeth are healthy. This can help you prevent future dental emergencies.

Sometimes, however, things happen between appointments that call for an extra visit. If you need emergency dentistry, you can't just wait for your next appointment! But how do you know when you're experiencing an emergency? 

We're here to talk about some of the most common dental emergencies that people experience so you can identify them. Read on to learn more. 

Chipped or Broken Teeth

There are many things that can cause a chipped or broken tooth, some more serious than others. 

Someone may end up with trauma to their face which then results in a broken or chipped tooth from a fall or hit. They may have an oral piercing or bite something hard. They may even chip a tooth on another tooth due to poor alignment. 

Regardless of what caused the chipped or broken tooth, it's a dental emergency.

Chipped and cracked teeth may not seem serious, especially if the chips or cracks are so small that they're unnoticeable to the eye. Unfortunately, they ruin the integrity of the tooth and they can allow bacteria to get in which will cause cavities. 

If the chip is visible, it's also an aesthetic issue.

If you chip or break a tooth, you should rinse your mouth with warm water and hold a piece of gauze to the tooth to stop the bleeding. You should also apply a warm compress. Contact an emergency dentistry professional who can fix your tooth as soon as possible to prevent future damage. 

Knocked-Out Teeth

Once you have a complete set of adult teeth, you shouldn't be losing any more. If a tooth falls out (or is knocked out), that's a dental emergency. 

If you can find the tooth, rinse off the root and hold it by the crown. Carefully put the tooth back in place. In some cases, this is enough to repair the tooth (but you should still see a dentist as soon as possible).

If you can't get it back in place, place it in a cup of water and bring it with you for emergency dental treatment. The dentist may be able to put it back. If not, they can go over your alternative options. 

Broken Orthodontics

Metal braces can be irritating, but they're one of the best methods for straightening your teeth. Unfortunately, in rare cases, the metal wires can break and cause problems.

Broken orthodontic wires are technically a dental emergency. You can wait until your local dentist's office is open to take care of them, but you don't want to leave them alone for too long.

They can damage your gums and slow down your orthodontic treatment. The wires have to be in place in order to move your teeth. 

Dental Abscess 

A dental abscess can be incredibly dangerous. 

An abscess is an infection in the mouth. It can spread throughout the mouth and even throughout the rest of your body. A dental abscess can make you incredibly sick. 

If you notice something that looks like a cyst in your mouth, it's likely a dental abscess. Do not attempt to pop or lance it. Contact a dentist who specializes in emergency treatments right away. 

In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean it and relieve some inflammation. Use a cold compress to further reduce inflammation until you're able to visit a dentist.

Lost Crown or Filling

When you have a cavity or another type of tooth damage, a crown or filling can restore your tooth and make it functional again. Ideally, a crown or filling will stay in place forever. In reality, it may only last around ten years.

So what happens if a crown or filling falls out? 

This isn't something you need to deal with immediately, but you should contact your dentist to set up an appointment as soon as possible (preferably within the next few days). Without the crown or filling, your natural tooth is exposed.

Repairing the filling or crown is an easy task, so don't worry. You'll be as good as new in no time. 

Extreme Tooth Pain

So what if you don't know what's wrong, but you're experiencing extreme oral pain? That's still a dental emergency.

If you have a toothache that's making it difficult for you to speak or eat, dentists consider it an emergency situation. It can get in the way of your health and it may be indicative of a serious dental health problem. 

Contact your local emergency dentist right away and they should be able to set you up with an appointment. In the meantime, use a cool compress and an anti-inflammatory to relieve your pain. Avoid doing anything that could exacerbate the problem. 

It's possible that your tooth pain is the result of something minor like something stuck between your teeth, but it's always better to be safe rather than sorry.

Dental Emergencies Are Serious

If you experience one of these dental emergencies, don't hesitate to call your local dentist. They should be able to treat you quickly. A dental emergency can turn into a physical health problem before you know it, so don't let it linger. 

Are you looking for a dentist in Fort Mill, SC for routine care or emergency dentistry? At CORE dentistry, our dentists are here to help.

Contact us to make an appointment today.