A dental emergency can result in substantial pain, discomfort, swelling, and even more severe problems. However, not all dental emergencies should be treated as such. Asking yourself the following questions can help you decide whether you can wait until your next dental appointment or if you need to visit an emergency dentist.
Do you feel a lot of pain? An emergency is indicated by excruciating pain and bleeding.
Has a tooth fallen out? A tooth that is treated quickly may be saved.
Do you have a missing tooth? Teeth should never be lost in adults. Even when there is no discomfort, a loose tooth is a significant issue.
Do you have a disease? Treatment should not be delayed if you have an abscess or significant oral infection since they could be fatal.
Do you have mouth bleeding? It can indicate complications with your dental health.
Any dental issue that requires urgent care to stop bleeding, lessen excruciating pain, or save a tooth is generally seen as an emergency. This also holds for severe infections that pose a risk to life.
Typical Dental Emergencies
Unidentified Toothaches
Toothaches are more than just annoying inconveniences. They are something you should not ignore. Toothaches are an indication from the body that there is a problem in the mouth. When you experience sudden, unexplained tooth pain, seek the advice of a qualified emergency dentist to help with the diagnosis and treatment of the issue.
Before scheduling an appointment with your dentist, try the following:
- Put on a cold compress.
- Wash your mouth out with sea salt.
- Take over-the-counter painkillers to ease the ache.
Bleeding Gums
Even though infrequent gum irritation is not a dental emergency, persistent bleeding in the gums, particularly if it is accompanied by pain and swelling. This might be a sign of a dental emergency. Gums bleeding for no obvious reason is unusual. If you experience any of these signs, contact your dentist right away to make an appointment.
Broken Teeth
Did you perhaps bite down a little too firmly? A broken tooth can hurt as well as spoil your beautiful smile. Warm water should be used to rinse your mouth, and the bleeding area should be covered with a piece of gauze. Then, to lessen swelling and ease pain, apply a cool compress to the size of your face nearest to the broken or chipped tooth. Your dentist will urge you to avoid biting down on hard or crunchy foods and engaging in sports or other activities that could chip or shatter teeth while seeking emergency dental care.
Knocked Teeth
Having a tooth abruptly knocked out of your mouth from a heavy impact can be a shock! However, now is the moment to act. By acting quickly, your dentist might be able to reinstall the filling and save your tooth.
The following should be done before going to the dentist :
- Pick up the tooth gently by the crown, being careful not to contact the root.
- Wash it off without rubbing it.
- Reposition the tooth in the socket if at all possible.
- If you are unable to reinsert it, put the tooth in some milk or water.
- Visit the dentist right away to improve your chances of keeping your tooth.
Missing Fillings
Another potential dental emergency is a missing filling because, without that strength, your tooth can easily crack or chip. Additionally, it could reveal the tooth’s nerves, which could lead to a number of serious dental issues that require urgent care. It is best to call your dentist right away.
The Dental Crown Falling Out
Your teeth are more prone to infection and decay when they are exposed due to a fractured or completely missing dental crown. By scheduling an emergency dental visit to repair the crown, you might be able to avoid needing a root canal, an extraction, or another dental procedure.
Summary
The most crucial thing to keep in mind in the event of a dental emergency is that acting quickly will help you avoid more serious issues in the future. You can visit the emergency room at the closest hospital if the condition is serious. Contact your dentist as soon as possible for any non-life-threatening dental emergencies.