Have you ever experienced a dental emergency in your entire life? You need not worry since dental emergencies occur more frequently than you imagine. When a dental emergency arises, people often hesitate to contact their dentist because they are unsure whether the situation requires emergency care and whether their insurance will pay for the necessary treatment. Many dental issues are merely dental problems that have gone untreated and result in discomfort and inflammation rather than dental emergencies.
Various forms of dental emergencies exist, some of which are more urgent than others. Do not hesitate to call your dentist or go to the emergency room if you are in excruciating pain, have a fever, or have swelling or bleeding that cannot be left unattended. Although some issues might not be as urgent, putting off dental treatment could lead to more serious oral problems in the days to come. It’s ideal to become familiar with dental emergencies and what to do in case of an accident.
What are some of the most common causes of dental emergencies?
You might suffer a dental emergency if you fall off your bike, get in a car accident, get injured playing sports, or even fall down the stairs at work. To avoid dental injuries, you should always be cautious when engaging in sports and wear appropriate protective gear, such as a mouth guard.
Drinking from glass bottles should always be done with additional caution, and avoid hard candies as they can easily break or crack teeth. An infection can also cause a dental abscess, which, if left untreated, can become life-threatening.
What are some of the most prevalent dental emergencies?
A knocked-out tooth, an infected abscess in your tooth, or a severe toothache are all instances of dental emergencies. Whenever you suffer trauma to your mouth, such as a broken or missing tooth, or have severe tooth pain, you should always seek emergency care with your dentist.
An infection in the mouth that results in a tooth abscess is another type of dental emergency. A dental abscess can cause more serious oral problems if not treated, so you should see your dentist immediately.
The following typical dental issues require treatment as soon as possible, even though they may not be dental emergencies.
- To repair a chipped tooth
- A dental filling that has dislodged from the teeth
- Dental crown pain
- To fix a broken tooth
- Tooth abscess
Are toothaches treated as dental emergencies?
A toothache may not be a dental emergency, even though you shouldn’t disregard it. It is crucial to treat toothaches before further symptoms emerge because they are often warning signs of underlying dental issues.
If you experience pain in your tooth, mouth, or jaw, contact your dentist, who will determine whether you require urgent treatment.
How do I know if I have a dental emergency?
Not all dental problems necessitate the need for emergency dental treatment. When experiencing direct trauma to your mouth, teeth, or gums, or if you are experiencing severe pain, you should contact your dentist right away, as you may need immediate treatment.
Delaying the treatment of dental injuries could develop into even more severe dental and health issues. Getting in touch with your dentist as soon as possible is always a good idea, and your dentist can advise you on an appropriate treatment plan or steps to take based on the severity of your issue.
How do I respond to a dental emergency?
Never hesitate to call your doctor right away. Treating dental trauma at home or waiting for the symptoms to worsen is not a good idea. You should take the following actions and get in touch with your doctor right away if your tooth is knocked out or becomes loose from your gums for any reason:
- If the displaced tooth is dirty, rinse it in milk.
- Replace the tooth in the cavity and secure it with gauze. Because the teeth should only be out of the mouth for no more than one hour, this could mean the difference between saving or losing your tooth.
- Rinse and save the pieces of chipped or broken teeth in milk if feasible.
Dentistry on Dunn: Oakville Family Dentists are always ready to treat dental emergencies and other dental issues. If you have a dental emergency, make an appointment with us to help you better. One of our experienced dentists will evaluate you and guide you through the initial steps and treatment options.