Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are unexpected and distressing, but we are here to help. Please contact us immediately if you experience any sudden onset pain. 

The two most common periods in life to experience dental emergencies are during toddlerhood and adolescence due to environmental exploration and sports-related injuries. However, it is also common for adults to experience a dental emergency due to trauma, decay, or infection.

Common Dental Emergencies

1. Toothache

Tooth pain can indicate a wide variety of potential dental problems. Its cause should be identified and treated as soon as possible. Two common causes of toothaches are pulp infections and having something stuck between your teeth. When tooth pain comes on suddenly, is progressively getting worse, or is intense, it is vitally important to see a dentist as quickly as you can. 

2. Chips or Cracks

Chips and cracks can form in the teeth from biting down on hard objects, using teeth to perform activities other than biting or chewing, or through psychical trauma to the teeth. People who grind or clench their teeth are also more susceptible than others to chipping or cracking their teeth. If you have a tooth that has become chipped or cracked, visit a dentist immediately. Any tooth fragments should be rinsed, preserved in a glass of milk or water, and brought to your dentist to determine whether or not they can reattach the broken portion of the tooth.

3. Loose or Knocked-Out Teeth

Any traumatic impact that causes teeth to become loose or fall out requires urgent dental care. If a tooth becomes loose, you should attempt to keep the tooth in its socket by gently biting down to hold the tooth in its correct place. If a tooth gets knocked out of your mouth, you should attempt to locate the missing tooth so that the dentist can try to save it. If you find the missing tooth, you should only handle it by the crown, not the roots. You then must clean the tooth by gently rinsing it. You can preserve the tooth by doing one of two things: you can place it back in the socket and bite down as you would for a loose tooth, or you can store it in a glass of milk or water like you would for fragments of a chipped tooth.

4. Missing or Loose Dental Restoration Appliance

Both permanent and temporary restorations, such as crowns or implants, can become loose or fall out. These problems are far more common with temporary restoration work. Regardless of the type of restoration, they both require emergency dental care. For a permanent restoration appliance, you will need to bring the restoration appliance with you to your dental appointment. With a temporary restoration appliance, you may be able to use Vaseline, Chapstick, or denture adhesive to keep the restoration appliance in place until you can see your dentist.

5. Soft Tissue Injury

The soft tissues of the mouth include the lips, gums, inner portion of the cheeks, and tongue. When one of these structures is injured, you will want to call your dentist for instructions on where to go to have the injury treated. Some injuries may require an emergency dental visit, while others may require a trip to the emergency room. Soft tissue injuries such as lacerations, punctures, and tears should be rinsed thoroughly with warm water and have pressure applied to them to stop the bleeding.

Professional Dental & Orthodontics - Diseno sin titulo 58

Cavities

Professional Dental & Orthodontics - Diseno sin titulo 57

Chips and Cracks Teeth

Professional Dental & Orthodontics - Diseno sin titulo 59

Loose Teeth

The Basics of Preventing a Dental Emergency

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re experiencing sudden onset pain, swelling, bleeding, or you observe pus excreting from your gums and teeth, you are likely experiencing a dental emergency. Other signs include loose, cracked, and knocked-out teeth. If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with a dentist right away.
Contact a dentist and get an appointment set up as soon as possible. The sooner you are able to see a dentist, the better. If you are unsure if you are experiencing an emergency, it is better to err on the side of caution and get examined by a doctor.
Consistent preventive care is the best defense against dental emergencies. Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss before bed. Attending routine dental appointments will also help to protect your teeth. If you play any high-contact sports, it’s in your best interest to protect your teeth by wearing a mouth guard and a helmet.
Take an anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen. Avoid Aspirin because it contains ingredients that will thin your blood and thus exacerbate the situation.

    Request An Appointment.

    We will contact you in the next 60 minutes during business hours. If you would like to request an appointment online, or if you have any questions you would like answered, please submit your information below. One of our receptionists will contact you as soon as possible to offer assistance. You may also contact us directly at (801) 785 8000.

    Book Your Appointment

    Please feel welcome to contact our friendly reception staff with any dental inquires or to book an appointment.

    Corporate Customer Service Hours

    Monday – Friday: 7:00am – 7pm
    Saturday: 9:00 am – 2:00pm
    Sunday: Closed

    Follow Us

    Stay up to date with the latest news about our promotions by following us on social media.

    Enjoy Your Visit & Save Valuable Time

    New-Patient Form

    New patients must fill out our new patient form. To save time in the office, the form may be filled out online prior to your visit.

    Pay Your Bill

    You can pay for your procedures online with Visa, Mastercard or AMEX credit cards.

    Subscribe to our newsletter

    Be the first to take advantage of all our promotions and receive tips on how to get the beautiful smile you deserve.