One of the worst pains someone can experience is a toothache or teeth pain. It can be absolutely debilitating and is usually a sign of an underlying problem. The pain can often be so severe that you can’t work or do much else but wish the discomfort would go away. The worst part is, tooth problems can happen at any time. It seems to figure out how to sneak its way in after business hours or on the weekend. That’s why emergency dentistry services are so important. An emergency dentist can see you after hours if you are having persistent pain or discomfort. Are you curious about the type of services an emergency dentist can provide and when you should seek one out?

SERVICES PROVIDED BY AN EMERGENCY DENTIST

An emergency dentist is a general dentist that provides their services after hours in case of a severe dental problem. Generally speaking, an emergency dental event is a problem that requires immediate action. This could be to save a tooth that has been knocked out or severely cracked, stop or identify a source of bleeding, or to alleviate severe pain.

If the treatment can wait for a day or two until the office is open, it is not considered to be an emergency. For example, a chipped tooth that isn’t painful or incredibly sharp can usually wait to be treated during normal office hours. However, a severely cracked or chipped tooth that is causing a lot of pain would constitute an emergency dental visit.

If you’re around the Rock Hill, SC area, Culp Dental provides top-quality and express emergency dental services. Our renowned dentist, Dr. Charlie Culp, is always on-call and available should an emergency occur.

WHEN SHOULD I FIND AN EMERGENCY DENTIST?

Many people question whether something is a true emergency or not. Therefore, you may wonder when you should find and use an emergency dentist. The basic rule of thumb is if you have lost a tooth and it can be saved, you are in a lot of pain, or there is heavy bleeding or an infection present. If you are experiencing any of these events, we recommend giving Culp Dental a call as soon as possible at 803-324-2921. If you’re outside of the Rock Hill, SC area, look on Google for “dental center near me” to find your closest emergency dentist.

Take a look below for the most common dental emergencies and treatment options available.

INFECTED OR ABSCESSED TOOTH

An infected or abscess tooth can happen to almost anyone and without warning. While it’s often due to bacteria entering the tooth when it’s chipped, broken, or decaying, it doesn’t always happen that way. A 2005 study in the Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery found that third molars, often called wisdom teeth, can also cause deep abscess formation. If you do experience an abscessed tooth, not only it is incredibly painful, but it can also be life-threatening. Therefore, it is considered a dental emergency.

The type of treatment for an abscessed tooth depends on several factors including where the infection is and how bad it is. It also depends on which treatment option best suits your needs. In the case of an infected tooth, the most common recommendation is root canal treatment. The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) agrees that this is often the best course of action since it saves the natural tooth. Root canal treatment involves the dentist carefully removing the pulp inside of the infected tooth. The root canals are then cleaned, disinfected, and shaped before a filling is used to seal the space.

In rare cases when the tooth cannot be saved or the patient does not want a root canal, a tooth extraction can also be done. With this option, the dentist can pull the tooth (tooth extraction) and drain the abscess to get rid of the infection. Antibiotics may be prescribed after either option depending on the initial spread of the infection.

KNOCKED-OUT TOOTH

Accidents can happen and according to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), they happen a lot! Per their records, over five million teeth are knocked out every year in both children and adults. Not all hope is lost though! As long as quick action is taken, the AAE states that a tooth can be saved and replanted successfully.

If you should get a tooth knocked out, the first thing you should do is locate the tooth. Pick it up by the chewing surface only. Never touch the roots of the tooth. If there is dirt on it, rinse it gently with water but do not attempt to wipe or scrub it. The tooth needs to stay moist, so attempt to place it back into the socket first. If you are unable to, place it in a glass of milk or in your mouth next to your cheek. Then, call the dentist and start heading that way. Seeing the dentist within 30 minutes gives you the best chance to save the tooth.

CHIPPED OR CRACKED TOOTH

A chipped or cracked tooth may require an emergency dentist if the crack or chip is severe and/or causing pain. After the incident, rinse your mouth with warm water. If the injury to the tooth is severe or you are in pain, call your dentist right away.

CULP DENTAL IN ROCK HILL, SC OFFERS EMERGENCY DENTAL SERVICES

Accidents or problem teeth don’t always happen on your schedule. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, Culp Dental in Rock Hill, SC can help. We can find the source of your discomfort and alleviate any pain you are having. If you have an abscessed tooth, we can use root canal treatment or tooth extraction along with antibiotics to treat it. If you’ve accidentally knocked a tooth out or severely chipped or cracked one, we can help, too! You shouldn’t ever have to be in pain no matter what time it is. Our friendly staff is always standing by and ready to help whenever you need us. Give us a call at 803-324-2921, any time, day or night.

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other dentistry-related topics, feel free to contact Culp Dental by clicking here or by calling 803-324-2921.