What are the common situations that are a dental emergency?
If you experience any symptoms or trauma that require dental care as soon as possible is referred to as a dental emergency. These can include:
Knocked-Out or Broken Teeth
If you have a broken or knocked-out tooth then you should look into dental care as soon as possible. The dentist may be able to repair the fracture or chip with a filling, whereas more serious breaks may need a crown or root canal.
In the case of knocked-out teeth, you will need to visit the dentist quickly, within a half hour if possible. The tooth has a better chance of taking root again within this time frame. After the two-hour mark, the chances decrease significantly, and alternative measures will have to be considered.
Severe Pain or Toothache
If you experience a toothache you cannot manage with over-the-counter pain medication, first, apply ice to the area and contact your dentist as soon as possible, as this is considered a dental emergency.
You should be cautious if you are experiencing a toothache as it can be a symptom of a more serious condition.
Lost or Misplaced Dental Filling
If you lose a filling then it can leave your tooth weak and the interior pulp exposed. It’s important to see a dentist to have the filling replaced as soon as possible. You can protect the area until you get to the dentist by replacing the filling temporarily with a softened piece of sugarless gum.
Object Stuck In or Around Teeth
Objects getting lodged between the teeth can present a hazard and warrant urgent attention from your dentist. If you cannot dislodge the object with floss, do not use a sharp object to attempt to remove it yourself as this could push it further between your teeth - or injure your gums.
Bitten Tongue or Lip With Excessive Bleeding
If you are experiencing bleeding that can’t be quelled after biting your tongue or lip, you need to visit an emergency dental clinic. In the meantime, apply a clean cloth to the part of the mouth that’s bleeding and press down. Use an ice pack to reduce swelling, and look for urgent dental care.
Dental Infection or Abscessed Tooth
A dental abscess is a buildup of pus which forms inside the teeth or gums. This very painful condition usually develops from a bacterial infection, often within the soft pulp of the tooth or the root of the tooth. They can be caused by a cavity that’s been left untreated, severe gum disease or perhaps a chipped tooth.
Symptoms can include anything from a bad taste in your mouth to swollen glands, pain, pus or fever. An abscessed tooth will usually need surgery to drain the infection and treat it properly. Treatment for dental abscesses can involve root canal surgery.