Emergency dental services can be necessary at any time and range from a painful toothache to a knocked-out tooth. In short, these are situations where you have to seek urgent dental care to save a tooth or to free yourself from pain. Keep reading to learn about some helpful tips in case you need emergency dental care.
Emergency Dental Care
Here are some indications that qualify an emergency dental appointment:
- Difficulty to breathe
- Facial swelling
- Non-stop mouth bleeding
- Having a sore or ulcer in the mouth that keeps going for 2 weeks or more
- Severe mouth pain
- Having a fracture or chip on the tooth
- A significant dental injury such as when your tooth has been knocked out
These symptoms usually require emergency treatment. Though you can manage them at home, immediate treatment by an appropriately qualified health practitioner is necessary to prevent further complications.
What To Do In Various Types Of Dental Emergencies
The following dental emergencies give an idea of what to do if you face one of them:
Knocked-Out Tooth
Staying calm is essential when you face this dental situation. You need to look for the actual tooth and hold it by the crown, not the root, without rubbing away any tissue sections. If the tooth is dirty, you should wash it quickly using milk or saliva to eliminate dirt. After that, try to put it back in the socket and gently bite down to hold it in place. If it is not possible, place the tooth in plastic wrap with milk or saliva on it. Remember that time is crucial in saving the tooth, so call an emergency dentist immediately for an urgent dental visit.
Toothache
Wash the mouth with warm water to clear it out. If there is swelling, use a cold compress to the outside of your cheek or mouth. Avoid using aspirin straightforwardly on your aching tooth or gums because it might burn the gum tissue. For immediate dental pain relief, you can buy over-the-counter pain medication. If the pain continues, see your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment. Severe tooth pain may indicate an infection that needs to treat quickly.
Fractured, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth
Wash your mouth also in this condition to clean the area. Wrap an ice pack in a clean cloth or a cold compress, and then use it on the face if swelling is present. The urgency relies upon the severity, yet only a dentist can determine how severe the condition is. Hence, it is better to get dental treatment as soon as possible before worsening your symptoms.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is an infection that typically develops at the tooth root or in the space between the teeth and gums. This painful condition can harm the tissue and encompassing teeth. If untreated, the infection may spread to the body and may be life-threatening. Hence, you need to visit a dental clinic as soon as possible. Washing your mouth with warm salt water can help ease discomfort until you see your emergency dentist.
Lost Filling or Crown
Fillings or crowns can become loose and fall out if a cavity forms underneath them. It can be painful or sensitive since there is an exposing layer of the tooth. So, you need to visit your dentist right away to get a new filling or crown to cover and protect the exposed dental layer.
How To Prevent a Dental Emergency
An accident can happen at any time. However, simple precautions can help prevent some dental injuries. When participating in sport, always wear a mouth guard to protect and secure your mouth from future damage.
Avoid using your teeth when opening a bag of peanuts, a pack of chips, or other plastic food containers. Instead, always use a pair of scissors to open a thing. Additionally, avoid chewing hard objects such as pens, ice, or nuts.
Where Can I receive Emergency Dental Care?
Dental emergencies can happen anytime to anyone. At Emergency Dentist Adelaide, we are a group of professional emergency dentists committed to delivering immediate dental care at any time of the day. Our office is always open for your dental needs. Call us at (08) 7078 8263 now!
References:
How to get rid of a toothache at night.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326133
Ice Packs vs. Warm Compresses For Pain.
Dental abscess.