Dental emergencies can occur without warning. Be it that unexpected toothache, an injury, or unusual swelling, knowing what constitutes an emergency can be extremely helpful. Putting off urgent issues with your dental hygiene can result in serious pain, infection, and, at times, permanent harm.
If you know the signs you need urgent dental care, it can help you be prepared to seek care in a timely manner.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any problem affecting your teeth or gums that needs care right away in order to relieve pain, stop bleeding, or avoid long-term damage. Some dental issues can wait for a visit with your dentist, and some issues can’t.
Knowing the difference can prevent you from suffering unnecessarily. A dental clinic in NW Calgary will help you come out of such a situation.
Indicators of a Genuine Dental Emergency
1. Intense or Ongoing Toothache
Tooth pain may be debilitating or not bothersome at all. However, if you experience a painful, constant, or sharp toothache, it is cause for concern.
An untreated tooth infection, abscess, or exposed nerve are possible examples of dental issues that require urgent dental treatment.
You might be thinking, “What counts as a Dental Emergency?”, Read the whole blog to know.
2. A Tooth that Comes Out
If a tooth comes out, you need to act fast. If a tooth can be saved, you must act quickly by picking it up by the tooth’s crown if possible.
Gently rinse it with water, making sure no washcloths or other items are scrubbed on it.
Once it is clean, attempt to reinsert back in the socket. You can save the tooth in a small container of milk or your saliva if you cannot replace it.
Make sure to call the emergency dentist immediately.
3. Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Teeth
Minor chips can usually wait for a dentist’s evaluation. A substantially broken or cracked tooth should receive immediate attention, especially if it is causing pain or exposing the inner layers of the tooth.
More damage, infection, and increased sensitivity may develop rapidly, needing urgent evaluation and treatment.
4. Uncontrolled Bleeding
If you have excessive bleeding from the gums or tongue, or other areas of the mouth, it could be the result of an injury or could be due to a dental issue.
If bleeding does not stop after 10-15 minutes of gentle pressure, you should seek dental care immediately.
5. Swelling in the Mouth or Face
Swelling in the gums, jaw, or face may be a sign of an infection, such as an abscess. Dental infections can progress rapidly to other areas of the body, necessitating immediate psychiatric or health care support.
If you experience swelling with fever, trouble swallowing or trouble breathing, get emergency dental treatment or go to the nearest hospital.
6. Loose Tooth or Misaligned Tooth
If a tooth is loose due to trauma or for unknown reasons, it requires urgent dental care. A dentist may be able to stabilize and prevent further damage to the tooth.
Do not wiggle the loose tooth and get in to see a professional as soon as possible.
7. Painful or Swollen Gums
While gum sensitivity can be caused by minor irritation, extreme swelling, pain, or pus around the gums could indicate a serious infection like gum disease or an abscess.
These disorders can cause tooth loss and other health issues if they are not treated.
8. Lost Fillings or Crowns
Losing a dental filling or crown can expose sensitive parts of your tooth, causing pain and increasing the risk of further damage. While this may not always be a life-threatening emergency, getting it treated as soon as possible can prevent worsening dental issues.
9. Jaw Pain or Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
If you experience sudden jaw pain or difficulty moving your mouth, it could be due to a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issue, a dislocated jaw, or a serious infection. If the pain is severe, seek emergency dental care immediately.
10. Signs of an Oral Infection
An untreated oral infection can spread beyond the mouth and lead to serious health complications. Symptoms such as fever, bad taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, or pus-filled sores require immediate dental intervention.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency?
Don’t freak out if you encounter any of the symptoms listed above. This is what you ought to do:
- Call a dentist immediately – Explain your symptoms so they can guide you on the next steps.
- Rinse with warm water – If there’s bleeding or irritation, rinsing with warm salt water can help cleanse the area.
- Use a cold compress– Place a cold pack on the afflicted area if there is discomfort or edema.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief – Medications like ibuprofen can help manage pain until you see a dentist.
- Protect a lost tooth or restoration – If a tooth is knocked out, keep it in milk or saliva and visit a dentist urgently.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While some emergencies are unavoidable, many can be prevented by taking good care of your teeth and gums. Here’s how:
- Maintain regular dental checkups to catch issues early.
- Brush and floss daily to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
- When participating in sports or other activities that could harm your teeth, wear a mouthguard.
- Steer clear of chewing on non-food things, popcorn kernels, or hard objects like ice.
- Keep an eye out for teeth grinding and get help if necessary.
In Doubt? Seek Professional Help
Ignoring dental pain or waiting too long to get treatment can lead to bigger problems down the road. If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, don’t take chances with your oral health. At Kensington Dental Choice, we provide prompt and professional emergency dental care to ensure you get the help you need when you need it most. If you’re looking for a dentist near you, our expert team is here to help. Visit our dental clinic for reliable and immediate treatment. Call us immediately if you’re experiencing a dental emergency, and let us get your smile back with professional treatment.
