Dental Emergencies Affect Teeth

A dental emergency refers to any situation that requires immediate treatment. Dental emergencies can be caused by a variety of things, including sports injuries or impact to the face or mouth, but they can also occur for seemingly no reason at all. A dental emergency can be painful, but it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Toothache

A toothache usually indicates you may need a filling, crown, or other dental treatment. It’s often a sign of infection or decay and needs to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Call your dentist today for a diagnosis and effective treatment recommendations. Here are some other common symptoms that indicate you need to call a dentist right away.

- Swelling around the a tooth that’s not sensitive to hot or cold temperatures may mean you have a more advanced problem such as an infected tooth or the early stages of an abscessed tooth.

- Jaw pain that can’t be relieved by over-the-counter medications may be an indication of an infection or a fracture that requires immediate medication and treatment.

- Pain when you bite down is sometimes an indicator of advanced tooth decay. If left untreated, the infection could spread to other teeth and even to other parts of the jaw. If the crack is below the gum line, you may lose the tooth without treatment.

- If you notice a sudden change in color in one or more teeth, it may be the sign of an advanced cavity that’s affecting the root. The earlier it’s treated, the better your chances of saving the tooth and preventing further problems.

- If you have persistent bad breath that doesn’t respond to brushing and flossing, you could have an oral health issue that needs attention. It may be something as simple as a buildup of plaque and food particles or it could be a more serious issue like gum disease, cavities, or even oral cancer.

- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss is usually a sign that you may have gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. The more inflamed your gums become, the poorer your oral health will be and the more susceptible you’ll be to other serious health problems including heart disease and diabetes. Schedule an appointment to see your dentist as soon as you notice bleeding gums.

Since many dental emergencies have symptoms similar to those of more common ailments, it’s always important to call the dentist

Knocked Out Tooth

If you’ve lost a tooth, the best thing to do is try to find the lost tooth and put it back in its place as quickly as possible. If this isn’t possible, place the tooth in a clean container or plastic bag with milk or water to keep it moist until you can get to a dentist’s office. Do not try to force the tooth back into the socket. Instead, place it in the side of your mouth between your cheek and gums, keep it in water or milk, and see your dentist as soon as possible.

While losing a tooth can be upsetting, it’s important to stay calm and get to the dentist right away; otherwise, you could face a number of complications like having the teeth on either side of the gap become loose or even infected. That’s because your jawbone needs stimulation from the tooth’s roots to remain strong, meaning once they’re gone, your body will eventually reabsorb them. However, if this happens, you may need an oral surgeon to place a bone graft into the empty sockets to prevent further bone loss. - WisdomTooth Extractions - Root Canal Treatments - Bridge Installation

When a broken tooth is causing you pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen before you see your dentist. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold compress on the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling. With soft tissue injuries like lacerations and puncture wounds caused by falls or other accidents, apply ice to any swollen areas to decrease pain and swelling. Then go to the emergency room immediately for treatment.

Broken Tooth

If your tooth is knocked out, you should pick it up by the crown (the part of the tooth that is usually exposed in the mouth) and rinse it with water to remove any dirt or other debris. If the tooth is dirty or contaminated, do not attempt to put it back in the socket as that can lead to infection. Instead, place the tooth in a clean container with milk so that it can stay moist and alive while you make an emergency appointment with your dentist. Until you can see the dentist, try to avoid placing pressure on the tooth because it can damage the tissues inside the mouth. Avoid eating anything crunchy or chewy as well. Your dentist may be able to re-implant the tooth if it has been kept clean. A dental implant may be necessary for a permanent replacement.

Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth may seem relatively minor, but it can cause discomfort while chewing or eating. In some cases, when a tooth is chipped, it may even cause sharp pain to radiate to the jaw and gums.

If you experience any of these symptoms after chipping a tooth, visit a dentist right away for an evaluation. If the damage is not too severe, your dentist may be able to repair the chipped tooth with a bonding or filling treatment. However, if the damage is too severe, you may require a dental crown to fully repair the tooth.

If you are experiencing severe pain due to a chipped tooth, you can also try a cold compress to lessen the pain until you can safely visit a dentist. You can also follow soft foods diet until you get your chipped tooth repaired by your dentist.