Receiving a blow to your jaw or mouth can feel painful. Whether it's due to an assault, accident, or you play contact sports, there's always a risk of damage to your teeth. In some cases, you may need to see an emergency dentist. Here are a few examples.

Missing Tooth

When something knocks your tooth out, it's easy to assume that you may be looking at a costly replacement. However, there are some circumstances where a dentist can put the tooth back into place. If you have the tooth, try placing it back into the socket. If doing so isn't achievable, submerge it in some saliva in a container or into some milk. Your emergency dentist can then assess whether it's possible to fit it back in. If they can't, they'll ensure your wound is sterile and can offer advice on replacement options.

Cracked Tooth

Cracked teeth can sometimes feel like a minor aesthetic inconvenience. If your tooth is otherwise intact, it's tempting to ignore the issue until standard opening hours. However, a crack in your tooth only tells you what's happening on the surface. If the crack extends into the area that's hidden by your gum, it may increase your risk of decay or experiencing sensitivity. In severe cases, it can affect the root of your tooth and leave you suffering from tooth loss. By seeing a dentist quickly, you may be able to benefit from an emergency repair that prevents further problems.

Heavy Bleeding

If your injury results in you loosening a tooth or knocking one out, you may experience some bleeding. Usually, that bleeding will slow down significantly or stop altogether if you apply a piece of gauze to the area for a few minutes. If it becomes heavy or won't stop, it may be that your injury is more severe than you thought. Seeing a dentist promptly will give them a chance to address any hidden trauma and keep you safe. Depending on your injury, they should also be able to perform a short-term repair and offer advice on long-term fixes.

Signs of Dislocation

Some injuries to your mouth can result in your jaw dislocating. In such circumstances, it's best to see an emergency dentist who can also offer maxillofacial surgery. Repairing a dislocated jaw asap is crucial, as it can cause damage to other areas of your face and tissues in your mouth. Signs of your jaw dislocating include not being able to close it fully and experiencing it moving to one side easily.

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