Common Dental Emergencies Treated at Our Wakefield, MA, Clinic

1. Broken or Chipped Tooth

A broken or chipped tooth is one of the most frequent dental emergencies among both adults and children. It can occur from biting into hard candy, a fall, or an unexpected accident.

Symptoms: You may feel sharp edges, experience sensitivity, or notice pain when biting. In some cases, the tooth enamel may be fractured deep enough to expose the tooth pulp or nerves.

What to Do:

• Gently rinse your mouth with salt water to clean the area.
• Save any broken fragments if possible.
• Use sterile gauze to stop bleeding.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• See a dentist as soon as possible for repair.

Treatment Options: Depending on the damage, Dr. Kravitz may use tooth-colored resin bonding material for minor chips, or a dental crown or veneer for more extensive fractures.

2. Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth might not always be visible, but it can cause severe pain when chewing or exposure to hot or cold temperatures.

Why It Happens: Cracks can form due to grinding, trauma, or even temperature changes in the mouth.

Symptoms: Intermittent pain lasting a few seconds when biting or chewing, sensitivity, or swelling near the gum line.

Treatment:

• X-rays help identify the crack’s extent.
• Minorly cracked teeth may be repaired with bonding.
• If the crack extends into the tooth pulp, root canal therapy may be needed to save the natural tooth.
• In more severe cases, the tooth may need to be replaced with a dental implant or partial denture.

3. Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is a serious injury that requires immediate attention. Quick action increases the chances of saving your natural tooth.

What to Do:

• Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root.
• Gently rinse the tooth with water—do not scrub.
• If possible, place it back into the socket and hold it in place by gently biting down on gauze.
• If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or saline and contact our dentist’s office right away.

Treatment: If seen within 30–60 minutes, Dr. Kravitz may be able to reimplant the tooth. If not, options like dental implants or bridges can replace missing teeth and restore your smile.

4. Tooth Pain and Sensitivity

Persistent tooth pain or sensitivity often indicates an underlying issue like decay, infection, or a damaged filling.

Common Causes:

• Deep cavities or cracks
• Infected dental pulp
• Gum inflammation
• Damaged restorations

Treatment: Dr. Kravitz will perform an exam and possibly X-rays to find the underlying cause. Root canal therapy may be required if the tooth pulp or nerves are affected.

In mild cases, treatment may involve a simple filling, medication, or adjusting a crown that’s affecting your bite.

5. Broken Dental Crown or Lost Filling

A damaged tooth with a broken crown or lost filling can expose your tooth root, leading to pain and increased risk of infection.

What to Do:

• Avoid chewing on that side.
• Keep the area clean and eat soft foods until your appointment.
• Use temporary dental cement (available at pharmacies) to cover sharp edges or protect the remaining tooth.

Treatment Options:

• Replace the filling or crown with a new restoration.
• If decay is present, a root canal or new crown may be recommended.

6. Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a painful infection caused by bacteria entering the tooth pulp or gums. It can lead to swelling, fever, and even spread to other areas if left untreated.

Symptoms:

• Severe throbbing pain
• Swelling in the gums or jaw
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Sensitivity to temperature
• A small bump on the gum near the affected tooth

Treatment: Dr. Kravitz may perform root canal therapy to remove the infection or drain the abscess. In advanced cases, an oral surgeon may be needed for oral surgery or extraction. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infectious diseases from spreading.

7. Loose or Broken Dental Implants

Although rare, dental implants can become loose or damaged after trauma. Because implants replace missing teeth with an artificial tooth anchored to the bone, any movement should be examined quickly.

Treatment: Our dental team will assess whether the implant post or crown is affected. In many cases, the crown can be replaced or repaired, while the implant itself remains intact.

8. Injuries to Baby Teeth

Children can experience dental injuries involving baby teeth during play or sports. Even though baby teeth are temporary, they play an important role in guiding permanent teeth into position.

What to Do:

• Use salt water to clean the area.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Encourage your child to eat soft foods and avoid biting the injured area.

Treatment: Depending on the severity, Dr. Kravitz may smooth a jagged edge, apply bonding material, or extract the tooth if necessary to protect developing permanent teeth.