First in a three-part series on dental emergencies
Dental emergencies cause stress and anxiety at any age. A toddler falls on the playground. A teenager cracks a tooth during a ball game. An adult wakes up with severe tooth pain. A senior experiences swelling around a dental implant. Quick action and prompt dental care at these times reduces pain and anxiety, prevents more serious complications, and protects the oral health and appearance of the patient. In this first part of a three-part series on common emergency dental injuries, we will discuss the typical sort of accidents and trauma that lead to emergency dental visits. The second and third articles will discuss prevention and treatment options.
Dental Injuries — Children
Young children are at high risk for dental injuries because they are still growing and learning. Most toddlers are energetic and active. Add to their fearless attitude a lack of experience with undeveloped coordination and dental injuries are almost inevitable. Here are some of the most common dental injuries we see in our youngest patients:
- Chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth due to falls and playground accidents.
- Toothaches as a result of untreated cavities, food trapped between teeth, and at times, dental infections.
- Oral swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection due to a variety of reasons.
Accidental injuries to the mouth and teeth should never be ignored, regardless how much or little pain they cause. Just because a tooth is a primary tooth and not a permanent tooth does not mean that it is, or was not, important! Early intervention reduces later pain and discomfort in children and protects their developing permanent teeth.
Dental Injuries — Teenagers
Teens typically possess better motor skills than young children, but still encounter similar injury hazards as do young children. If anything, teenage bravado can be a bigger threat to dental health than toddler curiosity! With age comes organized sports and social media challenges, and these increase the likelihood of dental trauma. Listed below are some of the common dental emergencies encountered by teens:
- Broken, fractured, or knocked-out teeth during contact sports (football, soccer, basketball, cheerleading) and recreational activities (snowboarding, skiing, skateboarding, gymnastics).
- Orthodontic emergencies such as broken brackets, loose wires, and damaged retainers create discomfort and lacerations.
- Wisdom teeth (third molars) usually start becoming visible between the ages of 17 and 25. With that comes the risk or impacted teeth, infections, and at times severe jaw pain or toothache.
Most teens have developed 28 out of their 32 permanent teeth by age 16, so treating traumatic dental injuries is critical for preserving dental health.
Dental Injuries — Adults
Many adults face dental injuries and emergencies due to longstanding oral health issues or failed oral restorations, such as broken crowns, bridges, or dentures. Here are some of the most common adult dental emergencies:
- Severe toothaches caused by a variety of factors.
- Cracked teeth resulting from biting down on hard foods (nuts, ice, etc), grinding their teeth (bruxism), or trauma. A minor, unobserved crack can rapidly expand into a major fracture, affecting the nerves within the tooth.
- Lost crowns, broken fillings, and dental abscesses also occur frequently. These conditions create significant discomfort and increase the risk of infection when treatment is delayed.
Many adults attempt to manage symptoms at home. DIY dental care often leads to later emergency treatment at a greater expense.
Dental Injuries — Seniors
Seniors face unique dental challenges as a result of age-related changes in their oral health. Gum disease, root decay, and tooth fractures are more prevalent in seniors. Here are some typical causes of emergency dental visits for seniors:
- Failed dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, fillings, and dentures placed decades earlier. These loosen, break, shift out of place, or completely fail, creating serious functional and cosmetic concerns.
- Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications for seniors. Ignoring dry mouth unfortunately increases cavity risks and contributes to emergency toothache treatment.
Aging does not mean you should give up on oral health! Emergency care for seniors restores comfort and preserves oral health for a lifetime. Preventive dental care goes a long way towards preventing emergency dental care for seniors.
Emergency Dental Care Matters!
Dental problems should never be put off, no matter the age of the patient. Severe tooth pain, facial swelling, heavy bleeding, a knocked-out tooth, or signs of infection all need prompt attention. Seeking professional dental care quickly often means the difference between saving a tooth and losing it. It also helps prevent an oral infection from spreading to the rest of the body.
At the Placerville Dental Group, we provide experienced emergency dental care for patients throughout the Sierra foothills. Our dedicated team provides prompt evaluations, effective treatment, and compassionate care 24/7. Contact the Placerville Dental Group anytime you experience a dental emergency and get the professional support and care you deserve!
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