Dental emergencies are often unanticipated, happening at any time of the day or night. Severe toothache, accidents that lead to cracked or broken teeth, trauma, and other similar occurrences could be called dental emergencies. In these cases, the problem should be addressed promptly to relieve pain, check the bleeding, or prevent further damage.

At Pacific Woods Dental, we quickly arrange emergency appointments so we can treat your concerns at the earliest. Because dental emergencies can be both painful and stressful, we will exert every effort to help you with gentle and affordable solutions.

We know that dental emergencies can be stressful. How you react in the moments following a dental emergency is critical. So, we also teach some valuable tips on managing your situation until you get professional help. Here are some dental emergencies that we commonly see and what you should do in these situations:

• Toothache

Though a toothache may not be what comes to mind when one thinks “dental emergency,” the pain of a toothache can be quite extreme. Oftentimes, the toothache is caused by tooth decay and cavities. It is vital that you first clean the area that is causing the distress. Remove any stuck debris from around your teeth and gums by using a combination of brushing, rinsing, and flossing techniques to get temporary relief. Then contact your dentist in Portland OR immediately. Your dentist can assess and treat the toothache either by placing dental fillings or by root canal therapy, depending on the cause and extent of the damage. If the damage is very deep and extensive, an extraction might be needed. 

• Chipped or Cracked Tooth

If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, try to gather as many tooth fragments as possible. Be careful not to lose any pieces. Store the pieces in a cup of warm water, rinse your mouth thoroughly, then seek professional help immediately.  

• Knocked-out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth can be saved if you can keep it in good condition and reach a dental office within an hour. Gargle your mouth with warm water to clean out any debris. If possible, try to insert the tooth back into your mouth in the right direction and hold it firmly in place until you reach our office. If you cannot place the tooth back in the socket, then store the tooth in a cup of warm water or milk with salt in it to preserve it. You can also use an ice compress to reduce facial swelling.

• Tooth Abscess

An abscessed tooth indicates a severe infection in your mouth. If your cheek or gums are severely swelling, it is essential to contact our dental office immediately or seek treatment at the local emergency room. A medical professional can administer injections or prescribe antibiotics to cure the infection.

Common treatments

Root Canal
A root canal refers to a treatment used to save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected from being extracted. During a root canal procedure, your dentist will remove the damaged and infected pulp and nerve of the tooth. The tooth is then cleaned and sealed.

Teeth extraction
An extraction involves removing a tooth that cannot be saved or repaired from the socket. This procedure is performed if the tooth is severely infected, causing the patient to be in severe pain but can't be repaired. 

Dental Crowns
A crown is a cap that is placed over a damaged tooth to protect, restore, or improve its appearance. It is also known as a dental cap. A crown can be made of porcelain or other materials like metal or ceramic. Crowns are made of natural-looking material so they are hard to distinguish from your natural teeth. 

To learn more about the dental services at Pacific Woods Dental, call 503-292-5483, and schedule an appointment now!