Are you wondering when you should take a visit to the dentist, Centreville, VA, for a dental emergency? Read on and learn more.

1. Knocked-Out Tooth

Playing sports or being involved in accidents can result in losing one or more teeth. With swift and proper emergency treatment, the tooth or teeth can be saved and successfully replanted. It is important to act quickly when you lose teeth following an accident.

When you lose a tooth, it is important that you locate it immediately. You should handle the tooth with care—never touch it by the root, rather handle the crown. If the tooth is dirty, you should gently rinse it with water; do not use any chemicals or soap to clean it, and do not wrap the tissue in cloth or tissue.

Try to put the tooth back into position (this is for adult teeth only). It will help to bite on a handkerchief in order to hold the tooth in its correct place. You should see a dentist as quickly as possible following the accident, who will work to save it.

If you are unable to find the tooth, there are methods of filling the space including dentures, bridges, and implants.



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2. Abscess

An abscess is a pocket of pus that is caused by a bacterial infection. It can result in swelling and pain and should be immediately treated by a dentist. An abscess is commonly caused by:

• Advanced tooth decay
• Damage following on from broken or chipped teeth
• An untreated dental cavity
• Worn enamel

The symptoms of a tooth abscess may include severe toothache, fever, pain when chewing, swelling and redness of the gums, tooth sensitivity, open sores in the gum, bad breath, and swelling of the jaw.



If an abscess is left untreated, it could allow the infection to spread throughout the body. This can have serious consequences. Treatment options for a tooth abscess include draining the abscess, antibiotic therapy, root canal, or tooth extraction.

3. Chipped or Broken Teeth

Similar to a knocked-out tooth, chipped or broken teeth can happen while playing sports, eating hard food, taking a fall, or any other kind of accident. You can notice a visible crack on a tooth, experience pain while biting, have sensitivity to hot or cold, swollen gums, and/or severe toothache.

You should visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible after chipping or breaking a tooth or teeth. In the meantime, it is recommended that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever if the tooth is painful. You may also cover any jagged or shape edges with sugarless chewing gum or wax paraffin.

You should collect any teeth fragments and handle them carefully. The treatment of a chipped or broken tooth will largely depend on the severity of the damage. Treatment options may include a dental filling or bonding, a dental cap or crown, dental veneers, or root canal therapy.



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4. Soft Tissue Injury

When we speak of soft tissues in the mouth, we are referring to the gums, cheeks, tongue, and lips. These tissues can be injured in different ways, from biting down accidentally, taking a fall, eating food that is too hot, or from being involved in an accident.

Soft tissue injuries can vary in their severity. As with the above emergencies, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. Following the accident, it is recommended that you:

• Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution
• Press damp gauze against the injured area if bleeding continues
• Depending on the location of the injury, hold ice against it to reduce swelling



The treatment of a soft tissue injury will depend on its location and extent. In some cases, stitches may be required to control the bleeding and close the wound.

5. Severe Toothache

Sometimes, a toothache can suddenly occur without warning. Not all toothaches require emergency treatment, though there are occasions when it is required. These may include:

• Persistent and sharp pain that increases in severity
• When toothache is accompanied by inflammation and bleeding gums
• Experiencing a weird, lingering taste in the mouth (may be a sign of an infected tooth)
• Swollen jaw (may indicate that an infection is spreading)



If you are unsure, it is best to make an appointment with an emergency dentist without delay.

Choose the Best Dentist in Centreville, VA

If you suffer a dental emergency, your best option is to visit SmileOn Dentistry, the best dentist in Centreville, VA. We are available for same-day emergency treatment, whether you are an existing patient or not. If you are experiencing any of the above emergencies, do not hesitate to call us.



For both emergency and general dentistry in Centreville, VA, contact our team today.