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A dental emergency is when you require immediate care to alleviate severe pain, save a tooth, or prevent life-threatening complications from arising. Some of the most common examples include a knocked-out tooth, severe infections, and extensive decay. The dentist at Stephen R Ho DDS in Honolulu, HI, shares the top reasons his patients come in for a dental emergency. 

The Causes of a Dental Emergency

1. Severe Decay

Cavities develop over time, so it’s challenging to pinpoint the precise moment when decay becomes a dental emergency. By visiting the dentist every six months for a thorough exam, cavities will be treated as soon as they develop. If a cavity happens to develop between cleanings and causes a severe toothache that affects your everyday life or prevents you from eating a balanced diet, contact your dentist. When left untreated, decay causes an abscess or damages the tooth pulp, resulting in serious complications. 

2. Dental Avulsion

dental emergencyDental avulsion is the forcible detachment of the tooth from its socket. This happens if you experience a forceful impact to the mouth. Although it is possible to reattach a knocked-out tooth, the procedure must be performed immediately to ensure success. If your tooth has been knocked out, rinse it under warm water and place it back into the socket until you reach the dentist. You can also place the tooth in a glass of milk to keep it moist.

3. Dental Abscess

This is an infection in the mouth or jaw region that began as an infected tooth. Abscesses develop from severe decay, gum disease, or trauma to the mouth. Without treatment, a dental abscess leads to sepsis, which has potentially fatal consequences. Signs that you might have a tooth infection include fever, swelling in the cheeks or face, swollen lymph nodes, tooth sensitivity, and pain that radiates to the neck, ear, or jaw.

4. TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular joint disorders is a chronic condition that does not always require immediate treatment. However, a dental emergency may occur in some cases. For example, facial trauma that affects the muscles or nerves surrounding the joint, or chewing on something too hard may cause debilitating pain. If your jaw is swollen or your bite feels off following a specific trauma, see your provider before symptoms worsen. 

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, Stephen R Ho DDS will be happy to see you as soon as possible. He has more than three decades of experience treating patients out of his office in Waikiki. Learn more about the various ways his skilled team treats dental emergencies by visiting his website. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 949-4288. 

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