Tooth decay and untreated cavities cause most dental emergencies. When a cavity spreads deep into the tooth, it can reach the nerve and cause pain, infection, or a broken tooth.
Most dental emergencies in Port Coquitlam start as small dental issues that escalate when you ignore the red flags until they become severe tooth pain or result in damage.
Below, we will examine some of the top causes of dental emergencies, when to seek urgent care, and how to avoid them.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Dental Emergencies?
Common causes of dental emergencies include:
- Untreated cavities that develop into an infection
- Gum disease and abscesses
- Accidental damage for fractured or broken teeth
- Knocked out teeth due to a fall or athletics
- Severe toothaches from decay or an injury
- Lost fillings, crowns, and dental restorations
While injuries can happen anytime, most emergencies are linked to preventable dental issues, such as decay and gum disease.
Why Tooth Decay Is the Leading Cause
Out of all the issues mentioned, tooth decay is the main reason patients consult a dentist in Port Coquitlam for urgent care.
Cavities start small, but when they are left untreated, they grow and begin to spread into the inner layers of the tooth. This will lead to:
- Painful worsening toothaches
- Infections that corrode into the gums or jaw
- Fractures where the tooth is broken
When decay reaches the pulp (the nerve inside the tooth), it requires a root canal or extraction. Ignoring it could eventually lead to a dental emergency overnight.
How Injuries and Accidents Contribute to Emergencies
Another large contributor when patients are searching for a dentist near you is the situation of “accident”. These can happen from sports injuries, falls, or even biting into something hard.
Common injury-related emergencies include:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Knocked-out permanent teeth
- Jaw injuries
- Soft tissue injuries (gums, lips, tongue)
These situations need fast attention to prevent the chances of any permanent damage. For example, a knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being saved if you are in the dentist’s chair within one hour.
What are some Emergency Dental Care Tips to Follow at Home
There are specific things to do when you are in a pinch, and what you do first can matter greatly. Some things to note for emergency dental care include:
- Toothache – Rinse your mouth with warm water and take over-the-counter pain relief. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth.
- Knocked-Out Tooth – Pick it up by the crown (not the root), rinse gently, and place it back in the socket if possible. If not, store it in milk and head to the dentist immediately.
- Broken Tooth – Save any fragments and rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Lost Filling or Crown – Use dental cement from a pharmacy to temporarily cover the area until you visit your dentist.
- Bleeding – Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.
Most times, when patients act quickly and consult a dentist, the tooth can still be saved.
How to Prevent Most Dental Emergencies
The good news is that with good oral habits and regular dental check-ups, several emergencies are preventable. Here are some key preventive steps:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
- Visit your dentist every six months for checkups
- Wear a mouthguard during sports
- Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candies
- Get cavities and small dental issues treated right away
It is always easier, less expensive, and less painful to prevent an emergency than it is to deal with an emergency after it happens.
What Dentists Recommend
Most dental emergencies happen due to tooth decay, infection, or injury. Dentists can save a natural tooth with a filling, crown, or root canal.
If the tooth is still not possible to save, then a dentist would recommend tooth extraction, and the replacement of the tooth with either an implant or a bridge would be the next step.
It only takes one small dental issue to become a major dental emergency if ignored. When there is sudden pain, facial swelling, or trauma to your teeth, you should seek assistance immediately.
If you are experiencing sudden pain or injury, our team at Poco Comfort Dentistry is here to provide you with experienced, trusted emergency care.
No matter if it is tooth decay, a broken tooth, or an accident, our team is here to help you feel better and protect your smile.
Call us today for immediate care and peace of mind.
