Hospital emergency rooms typically do not have a dentist on staff; patients are prescribed antibiotics and painkillers and are told to visit their dentist. Of course, if the patient had an oral care provider, they would not be in the emergency room to begin with.

X-rays are taken to make sure that there are no dental problems that the dentist can’t see. We advise yearly x-rays to help prevent and catch any dental illness before it gets out of hand. An x-ray can show decay, infections, disease, abnormalities, and abscesses, to name a few. The amount of radiation from a dental x-ray is very small. Even though there are very few risks associated with dental x-rays, we take every safeguard possible to minimize any exposure to radiation, including lead aprons. As with any x-rays, the benefits outweigh the risks; it is far better to have the small amount of radiation than to deal with the risk of undetected dental issues.

If there is some food or a small object stuck between your teeth, first try to gently remove it with dental floss. Do not use sharp objects (like a pin) because it may cause damage. If you cannot remove it, make a dental appointment ASAP.

If you believe that you have a jaw fracture, you need to immediately seek medical attention. If you have had a head injury, call 911 or head directly to the emergency room. A severe head injury can be life-threatening.

This can be due to receding gums, a chipped tooth, or dental cavities. It can also be caused by an inflammation within the tooth after a dental procedure.

Gums that are red, swollen, or bleed when brushing or flossing your teeth are signs of gingivitis. You may also experience receding gums, loose teeth, pain while chewing, and even a change in the comfort of your bite. In some cases, patients may experience pus or discharge between the teeth and gums as well.

Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can reduce the chance of infection and help alleviate pain. If you are experiencing any bleeding, apply pressure with clean gauze. You can also place an ice pack on your face to reduce swelling. Use a temporary dental cement on the chipped tooth if you aren’t able to see a dentist right away. It is important to see a dentist asap, even if the tooth is not painful yet. The internal areas of the tooth will now be susceptible to bacteria and can lead to quick forming decay.

If a tooth is chipped, cracked, or fractured and doesn't hurt, this usually isn’t considered a dental emergency, and you can wait up to a few days to see the dentist. However, it is very important to be careful while chewing so the tooth is not damaged further.

A toothache is generally the pain caused by tooth decay that can be felt in and around your teeth and jaws. The sensation of a toothache can come and go, or even be consistent. Hot or cold foods and liquids can make the pain worse, but this may also occur while eating or drinking any food or beverages.

A tooth extraction is the removal of an affected tooth from its original socket within the jaw bone. If a tooth has been chipped, broken, or damaged by decay or other reasons, the dentist will try to make repairs with a filling, dental crown, or some other potential treatment available in the office. It is important to note that sometimes a tooth is far too damaged to be repaired, and a tooth extraction is the best option for a patient’s oral health.

There are typically two reasons to pull a tooth, the first is if the tooth is a baby tooth that is being replaced by adult teeth. The second reason for removing a tooth is if your tooth has been severely broken down by bacteria, this tooth in many cases can be saved through root canal therapy, in some cases though the tooth will need to be removed, especially if the patient is experiencing large amounts of pain and discomfort.

Signs and symptoms of an abscess in the tooth include:

• Severe or persistent toothache that can include areas of the jaw, neck, and/or ear.

• Increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.

• Increased sensitivity while chewing or biting.

• Fever and sweating.Swelling in your mouth, face, and/or cheeks.

• Sensitive, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck.

Yes. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, chills, diarrhea, and fever can all stem from a serious infection. Watch for the key signs of a dental abscess, this includes cavities, inflamed gums, swelling in the mouth, drainage, and even difficulty chewing and swallowing food.