Public

What is a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies are, unfortunately, a common side effect of an active lifestyle. A dental emergency is a dental condition usually characterized as pain, swelling and discomfort which the patient determines as beyond their control.

We strictly advise you against trying some dentistry of your own at home, as this will only lead to further complications.

To ensure proper dental care, first determine whether your tooth is broken, displaced or completely out of the socket.

Once you have this clarity, search for an emergency dentist or your dentist.

Common Types of Dental Emergencies:

• Abscess or Swelling – A dental abscess occurs when pus gathers in or near a tooth. This can cause pain and swelling, and the tooth may become tender. A dentist can drain the tooth to alleviate pain, and you may need a root canal or surgery in order to repair the injury.
• Toothache – A toothache is the result of irritating the nerve of a tooth, and it can cause mild pain, pressure and sensitivity. Toothaches are often caused by gum disease and dental infections. It may be possible to alleviate pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever, but you may need to see a dentist if the pain is severe or is associated with facial swelling.
• Bleeding gums - Bleeding gums is indicative of periodontitis or gingivitis which should be taken seriously. This can lead to loss of teeth. There are no quick fixes. Consistent, repeated periodontal treatment and relentless home care is the only remedy for treating periodontis and gingivitis.
• Lost filling - Many people can happily wait for a day to have have it replaced. The problem can become worse and more painful if food or other debris becomes trapped in the cavity. It becomes very painful and could lead to further decay or fracture of the tooth. It should be replaced as soon as possible at a clinic.
• Knocked out or Dislodged Tooth – If a tooth has been knocked out or moved out of place, try to reposition it in the original its original position. In order for the tooth to be saved and replanted, you must avoid touching its root. If the tooth is dirty, you should rinse it gently with water and place it back in its socket as soon as possible. You can then hold it in place with your fingers or by gently biting it. If you can’t place the tooth back in your mouth, keep it moist in milk and head to a Emergency Dental clinic right away.
• Cracked\broken\chipped Tooth – Teeth may crack over time, but they may crack or chip from an injury. Some cracks may only affect the enamel of the tooth, and they may not cause any pain or discomfort. However, some cracks can occur on the tooth’s chewing surface, which makes it extremely painful to touch and sensitive to heat and cold or even air passing over it. This may make it impossible to eat or drink. A dentist will be able to repair the crack and eliminate the pain. If the crack extends toward the root, you may need a root canal in order to repair the damage, and if it is left untreated, a cracked tooth may split so badly that it cannot be saved. Time is of essence, visit dentist immediately.
• Soft Tissue Injuries – The soft tissues of your mouth include the gums, tongue, lips and cheeks, and they may be injured when you bite down on them or chew on something hard. Gently wipe the area clean with a cloth. Apply a cold compress to the area to minimize any swelling. If the bleeding will not stop, you should go to the dentist.
• Objects Stuck in Mouth – If you get food or an object lodged between your teeth, then you may be able to treat it on your own. Carefully try to remove the object using a dental pick or dental floss, and then rinse your mouth with warm water. You should also take care that you do not damage your gums or teeth in the process. If you are unable to remove the object, contact your dentist. Never use a sharp object to try and remove something that is stuck in between your teeth.

These dental emergencies do occur, and the choice is to bear the pain till the regular clinic opens. But now, with the option of an Emergency Dentist Clinic near your location all you need to do is search.