Dental Injuries That Require Emergency Dentistry

While dental injuries are not usually life-threatening, many do require immediate attention. Seeking emergency dental treatment right away can prevent the injury from becoming infected or leading to more serious complications. In Kernersville, NC, emergency dentistry is available at Infinity Dental. Dr. Gurvinder Bhatti, our experienced dentist, treats all types of dental injuries.

Types of Dental Emergencies

Seeking emergency treatment for certain types of dental injuries helps prevent infection and additional complications. Also, treatment of dental emergencies is more likely to be successful when administered right away versus after extensive time has elapsed. Examples of dental injuries that require emergency dentistry include:

  • Acute or persistent tooth pain
  • A chipped or broken tooth
  • A damaged or knocked out tooth
  • Sports injuries to the teeth or mouth
  • Teeth that have been partially displaced
  • Trauma to the gums, tongue, or soft tissues of the mouth

What To Do If a Tooth is Knocked Out

A common type of injury treated with emergency dentistry at our Kernersville, NC, office is knocked out teeth. When a tooth is knocked out, it is possible to reinsert it. There are some steps you can take before arriving at our office to help ensure your tooth can be successfully reinserted in its socket. If your tooth is knocked out, the following steps should be taken:

  • Pick up the tooth by the crown versus the root (touching the root can damage it)
  • Carefully rinse off the tooth with water to ensure it is clean
  • Insert the tooth back in its socket, if possible, and hold it in place with gentle pressure
  • If you are unable to insert the tooth in the socket, place it in a glass of milk or tuck it between the patient's gums and cheek
  • See an emergency dentist immediately and bring the tooth with you

If you experience a dental injury that requires emergency treatment, we can help. For emergency dentistry in Kernersville, NC, see Dr. Bhatti at Infinity Dental by calling (336) 996-3542.