Some dental emergencies can wait a day or two. Others can't. Here are 6 times you have a serious dental emergency you shouldn't ignore.
Did you know that about
25% of people aged between 20-44 have untreated dental health issues like cavities?
While visiting your dentist at least once per year may help maintain good oral health, it's crucial to seek these services when you have a dental emergency. This way, you can diagnose underlying issues and treat them before they cause adverse effects.
Unfortunately, some oral health issues may take time to show significant signs. Still, it’s advisable not to ignore the existing ones as they can worsen quickly. Here, we discuss six dental emergencies you should look out for and seek immediate medical care.
1. Injury Caused by a Fall
If you love sporting activities, you are likely to suffer injuries during games or practice. When not wearing protective equipment like helmets and mouthguards, falls can severely damage your jaw. Such cases may also loosen teeth and cause them to fall out with time.
After suffering head injuries caused by a fall, it’s crucial to get emergency dental care. Visit a specialist near you for a complete check-up of your mouth, including the gums, jaws, and teeth.
During this appointment, the dentist will confirm if all the teeth are firmly rooted in the jaw. They will also check the roof of your mouth and your lips for signs of injury, then scan the jaw to identify breakage.
Another measure the dentist may take during the emergency appointment is inspecting various dental appliances. For instance, if you have braces or Invisalign aligners, they will examine them for damages.
This way, they can ensure that the devices are working well. If not, they will replace the broken parts or tighten loose areas for a better grip.
2. Broken Teeth
Broken teeth are another common dental issue that calls for emergency treatment. In most cases, teeth break when biting down hard on foods or opening drinks with your mouth.
This issue may also be due to:
- Excessive grinding
- Teeth weakening
- Physical injury
If you have a broken tooth, you are likely to experience sharp pain, especially when eating. The gum around the affected part can also swell, change color and become tender.
After noticing any of these signs, you should visit a dentist immediately. Taking this measure can prevent severe gum infections and fevers.
The treatment provided for a
broken tooth will depend on the extent of the damage. For example, if it is split in two, the dentist may remove one part and offer root canal treatment. On the other hand, if the crack is from the root upwards, they will remove the tooth and suggest replacement options.
3. Severe Toothache
Another dental emergency you shouldn't ignore is a severe toothache. In most cases, this pain is a sign of an underlying issue such as severe cavities. If you are experiencing adverse toothaches, it’s advisable not to attempt any DIY treatment.
This precaution will prevent irritating the affected area and causing a secondary infection. Still, you can take some pain-relieving medicine or use a cold compress to numb the gum. Alternatively, rinse with mouthwash and warm water to kill harmful bacteria, then seek medical care.
Once you arrive at the office, the dentist will perform various tests to determine the cause of the pain. Here, they may check your teeth for cavities using a dental X-ray exam.
If you don't have a cavity, the expert will inspect the gums to detect objects or food items stuck there. The next step is to dislodge the debris using floss or special dental appliances and offer medication for the pain or infection.
4. Knocked-Out Teeth
Teeth may dislodge and detach from the gum tissue due to a fall or blow to the jaw. In case something like this happens, find the missing tooth, pick it by the crown and rinse it with clean water. After that, try placing it back and biting a soft cloth to keep it in its place.
If you can't do this, it's best to soak it in milk or a bottle of clean water and head to the dentist's office. Water will keep the root surface moist and prevent the area from swelling and bursting. Milk, on the other hand, has antibacterial effects and sugars that will promote cell growth.
After you get to the dental facility, the specialist will replace the tooth in its pocket to avoid the need for other replacement options. This process also protects you from the effects of missing teeth like gum recession and speech problems.
5. Gum Abscess
Gum abscesses are infection pockets containing pus, bacteria and sometimes blood. The most common place to find an abscess is on the gum tissue, but it can also form between the teeth.
While most people don't consider them serious oral health issues, they may signify a severe condition like periodontitis.
If you notice a pimple-like swelling on your gum,
visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible. The expert will make a small incision to drain the abscess. After that, they will remove any contaminants around the affected areas.
In case you have plaque and tartar, the dentist will provide specialized cleaning. This process involves using special scraping tools and electric toothbrushes to remove the buildup and prevent reinfection.
6. Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are a major dental emergency which most people ignore. If you notice blood spots when eating, flossing, or brushing, seek a professional's help immediately. Since
bleeding gums are usually a sign of infection, ignoring them could further affect your oral health.
Visiting a dentist allows you to determine the root cause and get treatment. The specialist can also point out other issues that may cause your gums to bleed.
Such are:
- Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
- Wearing dentures that don't fit
- Pregnancy hormones
Once the expert determines the key reasons for this condition, they advise you accordingly. Besides, they'll develop a treatment plan and schedule follow-up appointments.
Get Dental Emergency Services at Simply Smiles
Getting dental emergency services from an experienced specialist will enhance your recovery. At Simply Smiles, we have an emergency dentistry practice ready to serve new and existing patients.
Our advanced equipment allows us to respond faster to all dental health issues and promote recovery.
Call us right away if you need reliable emergency treatment.
