Dental emergencies include any mishap of the teeth, their supporting structures or soft tissue of the mouth. Most dental emergencies can be quickly and effectively treated when the patient seeks prompt medical attention. However, untreated dental emergencies can result in complications that range from mild to serious.

There are many different types of injuries or other problems that can be categorized as dental emergencies. They include:

• Abscess. A buildup of pus in tissue resulting from bacterial infection that causes swelling and pain.
  

  

• Avulsed tooth. A tooth that is knocked out of its socket.
  
  
• Loose orthodontic brackets or wires (braces). Although problems with orthodontic appliances rarely rise to the level of dental emergencies, they may sometimes require prompt treatment by an orthodontist.
  
  
• Extruded tooth. A tooth that is partially pushed out of its proper alignment. Extruded teeth typically are loose or partially dislodged from the socket.
  
  
• Fractured tooth. A partial break in the tooth that can range from minor to severe.
  
  
• Lost crown or filling. Tooth restorations sometimes can crack, loosen and fall out.
  
  
• Pericoronitis. Occurs when a wisdom tooth does not fully erupt and part of the tooth remains covered by a flap of gum.
  
  
• Soft-tissue injuries. These are injuries to the tongue, cheeks, gums or lips.
  
  
• Jaw fractures. Breaks or cracks in the upper or lower jaws.
  
  
• Stuck foreign debris. Food particles such as popcorn hulls can lodge underneath the gum and irritate the tissues, which can eventually lead to infection.

Dental emergencies can result from many different factors, including accidents, athletic activity, tooth decay, accidentally biting oneself, burning oral tissue with hot food and chewing on hard objects that injure soft tissue of the mouth.

Patients who suffer injuries to their teeth or gums often can immediately identify them as dental emergencies because of the significant pain that accompanies the injury. Dental emergencies typically cause pain or discomfort that ranges from mild to severe. Some injuries to the tooth may not cause pain but instead cause structural damage that is visible, such as some tooth chips, fractures or bleeding.

People who visit a dentist as a result of a dental emergency will undergo a dental examination. The dentist will visually scan the site of the injury or area where pain is occurring. The teeth, lips, tongue and gums may be inspected. X-rays will likely be taken. A dentist often can determine the severity of the injury based on this examination.

Until patients are able to reach a dentist, there are several steps they can take to treat their condition and reduce their pain. Prompt treatment of dental emergencies allows the injury to be contained before more extensive damage occurs. A dentist may perform various types of treatments depending on the nature of the injury.

Not all dental emergencies can be prevented. However, people can often take steps to reduce the risk of injuries that can lead to dental emergencies, such as wearing protective equipment during athletics and seat belts while riding in a car. Regular dental examinations also allow a dentist to track potential weaknesses and other problems that could result in a tooth or soft-tissue injury down the line.