When a Situation Calls for an Emergency Surgery
Emergency Dental Surgery is Necessary in Certain Situations
If you are experiencing dental issues such as chipped, cracked, infected teeth, or damage to orthodontics, it is important not to delay treatment. Emergency dental surgery may be required to maintain your oral health.
Cedar Grove Dental Group in Cedar Grove, NJ and the surrounding area offers emergency dental surgery services. Don't wait to get the care you need. Contact us today at (973) 857-0567 to schedule an appointment or inquire about our services.
Recognizing the Signs of Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency is a situation that poses a potential threat to life and requires immediate treatment. Dental emergencies typically involve uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain, or infection. It is important to note that not all urgent dental situations are considered emergencies. Examples of non-emergency dental issues may include:
- Cosmetic dental procedures
- Extraction of asymptomatic teeth
- Initial or periodic oral exams and routine radiographs
- Orthodontic procedures that do not address acute issues
- Restorative dentistry, including treatment of asymptomatic carious lesions
- Routine dental cleanings and other preventative measures
Please note that the list provided is not comprehensive. If you are unsure whether you need to come in for an immediate visit, please contact us at (973) 857-0567. We will assess whether the issue can be addressed during a routine appointment or if emergency dental surgery is necessary.
“According to the American Dental Association (ADA), a dental emergency is any issue that is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate treatment.”
Damaged Teeth
When the enamel is worn away by trauma or excessive wear and tear, a chipped tooth may occur, resulting in a sharp and jagged tooth surface. Patients with tooth decay, cavities, and large fillings are at higher risk for chipped teeth. Bruxism and eating acid-rich foods can also contribute to enamel wear.
Treatment for a chipped tooth depends on the location, severity, and symptoms of the chip. If the chip causes severe pain and affects eating and sleeping, it is considered a medical emergency. More extensive chips may be reattached or bonded, and options such as porcelain veneers or dental onlays may also be considered.
“A chipped tooth may occur when the enamel is worn away by trauma or excessive wear and tear.”
Teeth that are cracked
Cracked teeth, like chipped teeth, can be caused by trauma or general wear and tear. Symptoms can vary from occasional pain while chewing to sudden sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. These symptoms may come and go, making it challenging to diagnose cracked teeth. Patients who experience these symptoms or suspect they have a cracked tooth should seek medical attention promptly, as early treatment is crucial for saving the tooth.
The treatment for cracked teeth depends on the severity, location, and type of crack. A fractured cusp may be repaired with a filling or crown, while a crack extending vertically towards the root may require a root canal. A split tooth will need endodontic treatment, and a vertical root fracture may call for endodontic surgery or tooth extraction.
“ Patients who are experiencing these symptoms or suspect they have a cracked tooth should seek medical attention immediately, as early intervention is key to saving the tooth.”
Teeth with Infections
Abscesses are a common result of bacterial tooth infections, with periapical tooth abscesses being a frequent occurrence. These abscesses can develop due to untreated dental cavities, trauma, or previous dental procedures. It is important to drain the abscess in infected teeth to eliminate the infection. Root canal treatment is often needed to save the tooth, but in severe cases, extraction may be necessary. Untreated abscesses can lead to serious complications, so prompt attention is crucial.
“ Infected teeth will need to have their tooth abscesses drained to get rid of the infection.”
Orthodontics damaged
In the rare event that damage to orthodontics requires dental emergency surgery, the first step for patients should always be to assess the extent of the issue. Severe damage to orthodontics usually involves trauma to the teeth, mouth, or face.
Patients with orthodontic devices may experience puncture wounds or excessive bleeding following mouth trauma. Emergency dental surgery might be needed if damage to orthodontics causes swelling in the gums, mouth, and face. Unbearable pain could also indicate the need for immediate attention.
