Dental emergencies require immediate action and professional care to alleviate pain, save natural teeth, stop the spread of infection, and prevent or stop soft tissue damage. Though not every case of dental discomfort qualifies as an emergency, certain issues exhibit telltale signs—some quite obvious—that immediate care is in order.
Common Dental Emergencies
- Knocked-out adult teeth — Whether caused by trauma or untreated decay, immediate action (a gentle rinse, preservation in mil, and a trip to the dentist ASAP) can potentially save a knocked-out natural tooth.
- Severe toothache — Persistent and unrelenting pain, possibly due to an infection or deep decay, requires prompt attention.
- Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth — Often caused by impact or biting down on hard objects, these structural compromises can expose nerves and cause significant sensitivity and discomfort.
- Dental abscesses — These pus-filled infections in of the teeth or gums can lead to severe pain, swelling, fever, and, eventually, tooth loss.
- Lost fillings or crowns — Losing a dental restoration leaves a tooth vulnerable to serious damage and an individual to potentially severe pain.
Swift action and timely professional intervention are crucial to managing both the short (in-the-moment pain) and long-term (future complications) effects of a dental emergency. If you experience any of the symptoms above, contact your dentist immediately for advice and to schedule an emergency appointment.
Compassionate Emergency Dental Care in Knoxville, TN
If you’re in Knoxville and want to establish a relationship with a caring and highly skilled emergency dentist before your moment of need, contact Dr. Chelsea Bryant and the Bryant Family Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!