Orthodontic Emergency Specialist

What Are Common Orthodontic Emergencies?

A few true orthodontic emergencies can include:

• Trauma or injury to the teeth, mouth, or face
• Infection or swelling of the gums, mouth, or face
• Severe, unmanageable discomfort or pain in mouth or face

Patients should seek immediate attention in the event of any of these situations. Dr. Chang is trained and available to handle a wide-range of dental emergencies.

What If I Have a Dental Injury?

Whether or not you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, Dr. Chang recommends patients immediately ice the injured area and contact her office or your regular dentist. Depending on the injury, an x-ray of the involved tooth or teeth involved may be required to determine the extent of the damage. If a tooth has been displaced, knocked out, or fractured, sometimes it can be reattached. Patients wearing braces while sustaining an injury to the mouth should consider the incident an emergency due to the added tension caused by the wires on the teeth.  

What Dental Emergencies are Unique to Patients with Braces?

Most of the time dental issues can wait for a standard appointment but other orthodontic situations such as the following should be considered an emergency:

• A poking wire: You should have orthodontic wax on hand to cover the end of a wire. While wires that stick out will eventually need to be fixed, you can cover the end momentarily with the wax so the flesh inside your mouth doesn’t get injured.
• Sores or allergic reactions: Sores might be an indication that your braces, retainer, or aligner don’t fit properly and will need to be adjusted. However, they can also be a sign of an allergic reaction to the metal or even the elastic bands. If you are experiencing sudden and serious reactions, like swelling, inflammation or difficulty swallowing or eating, please go to the emergency room to seek medical help right away.