Title: Common Dental Emergencies - American Family Physician
Headings: Common Dental Emergencies
Common Dental Emergencies
View/Print Table
Common Dental Emergencies
Dental Anatomy
Dental Pain
CARIOUS ORIGIN
PERIODONTAL ORIGIN
WISDOM TOOTH ORIGIN
Dental Trauma
Prevention
Dental Referral
The Authors
REFERENCES
Continue reading from February 1, 2003

Content: Untreated necrosis may lead to a localized abscess or a spreading infection into the surrounding soft tissue that results in cellulitis. Immediate treatment involves antibiotic therapy for cellulitis, perhaps with drainage of abscesses, while definitive treatment requires root canal therapy or extraction of the involved tooth. Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the soft tissue overlying a partially erupted tooth. Localized cases respond to irrigation. Secondary cellulitis can develop. Definitive treatment may require surgical extraction of the underlying tooth or excision of the gum flap. Avulsion of a permanent tooth secondary to trauma is a true dental emergency. The tooth should be reimplanted on the spot, and the patient should be seen immediately by a dentist for splinting and antibiotic prophylaxis. Most dental problems can be prevented with regular dental care and steps to minimize risks of oral trauma. Dental emergencies ( Table 1) are extremely common in America.