It always seems to happen on a weekend, doesn’t it? That tooth discomfort has grown into a dull throbbing ache, and you are in a world of pain. Or your child gets a tooth knocked out while playing soccer. Dental emergencies like these will happen during the course of most people’s lives. But it is not always immediately obvious what is not an actual emergency situation and when to contact a Manassas emergency dentist.

Here are a few common dental issues that may arise and what to do about them.

Bleeding Gums

Although it is not unheard of to experience some minor, temporary bleeding when you go at it too hard with your brushing or flossing, persistent bleeding in your gums is not normal. It could be an indication that you are developing periodontal disease. This is a serious condition that can progress to the point that you lose your teeth. So you definitely want to check with your dentist if your gums are constantly bleeding.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Teeth can get knocked out for a variety of reasons like vehicle accidents and sports injuries. Although your dentist can normally replace such a tooth, time is of the essence. Grasp the tooth by the top part, not the root, and rinse it as necessary. If you can, it is best to place it back within its socket until you can reach your dentist. If not, you can place it within a glass of milk to keep it moist. Do not let it dry out. Contact our Manassas emergency dentist as soon as possible.

Damaged Bridge or Crown

It is not uncommon for a facial injury to result in a damaged crown or bridge. But there are also other types of situations that can result in a cracked restoration, or one that completely comes loose. If you’ve ever eaten sticky foods like taffy or caramel, you realize that it can happen to anybody at any time. In this situation, it is optimal to save the bridge or crown and visit a dentist as soon as possible. When you schedule your appointment, ask for recommendations on saving the restoration.

Severe Toothache

Everyone has a different threshold for pain, but a severe toothache deserves urgent attention. The pain can be due to severe tooth decay that has reached the pulp or root of your tooth. Since this sensitive area contains a blood supply and many nerves, inflammation here can result in severe pain.

By acting right away, you are giving yourself the best chance of saving this tooth so that it does not need to be extracted. So if you experience severe toothache pain, contact your dentist right away for guidance and prompt pain relief.

Learn More

When in doubt, contact our team at Liberia Dental Care. We offer an array of dental services designed for the entire family. Call 703-260-1200 or request an appointment online.