When a Situation Calls for an Emergency Dental Surgery Westminster, CO
Some dental issues are more pressing than others. When dealing with chipped, cracked, infected teeth or damage to orthodontics, patients should never delay. Emergency dental surgery may be necessary to preserve one's oral health.
Emergency dental surgery is available at Dental Associates of Westminster in Westminster and the surrounding area. Do not hesitate to get the treatment you need. Call us today at (303) 731-5715 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Understanding Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency is any issue that is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate treatment. Dental emergencies often involve uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain and/or infection. Some situations, however, may feel pressing without being dental emergencies. These may include:
- Cosmetic dental procedures
- Extraction of asymptomatic teeth
- Initial or periodic oral examinations and recall visits, including routine radiographs
- Orthodontic procedures that do not address acute issues
- Restorative dentistry including treatment of asymptomatic carious lesions
- Routine dental cleanings and other preventative measures
Patients should keep in mind that the above list is not exhaustive. If there is any confusion about whether or not an immediate visit is necessary, call us at (303) 731-5715. We can determine if an issue can be resolved at a routine visit or requires emergency dental surgery.
“According to the American Dental Association (ADA), a dental emergency is any issue that is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate treatment.”
Chipped Teeth
A chipped tooth may occur when the enamel is worn away by trauma or excessive wear and tear. As a result, the tooth surface may become sharp and jagged. Patients with tooth decay, cavities, and large fillings are at particular risk for chipped teeth. Bruxism can also wear down the enamel, as can eating acid-rich foods.
Chipped tooth treatment is typically dependent on the chip's location, severity, and symptoms. It becomes a medical emergency when it causes severe pain and impedes one's ability to eat and sleep. More extensive chips may be reattached or bonded. Porcelain veneers or dental onlays may also be an option.
“A chipped tooth may occur when the enamel is worn away by trauma or excessive wear and tear.”
Cracked Teeth
Like chipped teeth, cracked teeth may be caused by trauma or general wear and tear. Symptoms may range from intermittent pain when chewing to sudden temperature sensitivity. It is not uncommon for these symptoms to come and go, making it difficult for cracked teeth to be diagnosed. Patients experiencing these symptoms or suspect they have a cracked tooth should seek medical attention immediately, as early intervention is key to saving the tooth.
Treatment depends on the extent, location, and type of the crack. A fractured cusp may be treated with a filling or crown. A crack that extends vertically toward the root may require a root canal. A split tooth will require endodontic treatment. In contrast, a vertical root fracture may necessitate endodontic surgery or tooth extraction.
“Patients who are experiencing these symptoms or suspect they have a cracked tooth should seek medical attention immediately, as early intervention is key to saving the tooth.”
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Infected Teeth
Abscesses form as a result of bacterial tooth infections. Though they may occur in different areas of the tooth for different reasons, periapical tooth abscesses are particularly common. This type of abscess typically occurs due to an untreated dental cavity, trauma, or prior dental work.
Infected teeth will need to have their tooth abscesses drained to get rid of the infection. In most cases, root canal treatment will be necessary to attempt to save the tooth. However, in more severe cases, tooth extraction may be necessary. An untreated tooth abscess may lead to life-threatening complications. As such, it requires immediate attention.
“Infected teeth will need to have their tooth abscesses drained to get rid of the infection.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is a dental emergency?
Q. What is the treatment for a chipped tooth?
Q. What is the treatment for a cracked tooth?
Q. How are infected teeth treated?
Q. When is damage to orthodontics a dental emergency?
People Also Ask
Q. When should I go straight to the emergency room?
Q. What should I do while waiting to get to the emergency dentist?
Q. What should one do for a toothache when waiting to see a dentist?
Q. What are some of the signs indicating a need for tooth extraction?
Damage to Orthodontics
While damage to orthodontics rarely requires dental emergency surgery, a patient's first step should always be to determine the extent of the issue. Damage to orthodontics is typically considered severe when it includes trauma to the teeth, mouth, or face.
Patients with orthodontic devices may suffer puncture wounds or profuse bleeding after experiencing trauma to the mouth. Emergency dental surgery may be necessary when damage to orthodontics results in swelling of the gums, mouth, and face. Unmanageable pain may also be a symptom.
“Patients with orthodontic devices may suffer puncture wounds or profuse bleeding after experiencing trauma to the mouth.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the most common type of dental injury?
A. According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), chipped teeth are the most common type of dental injury. To avoid a chipped tooth, you must wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports and never use your teeth to open things.
Q. How can I avoid a cracked tooth?
A. To avoid a cracked tooth, do not chew on hard items, such as popcorn kernels or hard candy. You should also avoid chewing on non-food items such as pens or ice. Wearing a nightguard can also help reduce the wear and tear on your teeth from grinding, making them more vulnerable to cracking.
Q. Why do I have tooth pain?
A. Many events can cause tooth pain, but most dental pain stems from exposure to the inner part of your tooth, known as the tooth pulp. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), tooth pain commonly results from a cavity, cracked tooth, or an exposed tooth root. Therefore, if having pain, it is critical to follow up with your dentist as soon as possible.
Q. What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
A. If you have knocked out an adult tooth, the ADA advises that you keep it as moist as possible. If you can, replace the tooth into the socket while not touching the tooth root. If you cannot replace it, you can put it in milk or hold it in your mouth to keep it moist. Make sure to contact your dentist right away, so you have the best chance of saving the tooth.
Q. What is characterized as a dental emergency?
A. Dental emergencies are dental issues associated with pain, immense discomfort, and sudden swelling. These problems typically do not fix themselves and require immediate medical attention.
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Endodontic Terminology
Call Us Today
Emergency dental surgery can save your tooth and help prevent severe complications. Do not put your health on the line. Call us today at 303-731-5715 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Dental Associates of Westminster was established in 2022.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: Westminster, Welby, Derby, Berkley, Federal Heights, Commerce City, Boulder, and Denver
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