Due to their sensitive nature and prominent location, the teeth may be susceptible to damage caused by a fall, accident, sports injury, fight or other type of traumatic event. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, you may experience a chip, crack or fracture in the tooth, tissue injury or a tooth that is knocked out or misaligned for more severe injuries.

If you are experiencing bleeding, swelling, severe pain within the mouth area, or have any missing or loose teeth, there is a chance you are experiencing a dental emergency and should seek immediate care. Seeing a dental professional right away could be the difference between saving or losing a tooth.

In addition to tooth injuries, many people often experience cuts, scratches or tears in the gums, lips, cheek or tongue, which should be treated by your dentist as well in order to reduce the risk of infection and ensure proper healing. This tissue damage can affect the health of your teeth and overall mouth if not treated properly.

Emergency dental care often includes reattaching a tooth that was knocked out, placing a crown, bridge or implants, perform a root canal or other methods to stop bleeding, relieve pain and reduce the risk of long-term damage. It is important to keep any teeth that fall out, if possible, so that they can be reattached without the need for prosthetic replacements. Individual treatment will vary depending on each patient’s specific case, but dentists like Dr. Ravin are highly experienced in handling these sensitive injuries with highly effective results.

The best defense against dental emergencies is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. This can be done by taking special precautions to protect the teeth, especially when participating in high-risk activities. Athletes who play contact sports such as football or hockey should always wear a mouth guard to protect the teeth. Certain activities, such as chewing on ice or eating hard foods can also lead to tooth injury and should be avoided. Seeing your dentist on a regular basis ensures that the teeth are strong and healthy enough to sustain mild injuries.