Emergencies can happen at any time of the day. Staying organized and knowing the steps to take can help in making the right decision. Dental emergencies are rare and hence less frequently talked about. From severe tooth pain and facial swelling to knocked-out teeth, everything falls under the umbrella of a dental emergency.
Recognizing these signs is crucial to understand the course of action and seek prompt care from an emergency dentist. In this article, we will delve into the main symptoms of dental emergencies and give you an insight into the required information to seek emergency dental care.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency refers to any dental problem that requires immediate medical attention. Not all dental problems are emergencies. However, if you have bleeding that won’t stop or pain that does not get better with medications or broken facial bones, you may need emergency dental care.
If you experience an emergency or notice someone else going through the same, the first thing you should do is call your dentist for further steps. A lot of dentists provide an emergency number that you can reach out to even after business hours. If you don’t have a dentist, go to the nearest emergency care center for help.
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Let us now discuss the top signs or symptoms of a dental emergency:
Severe Toothache
Experiencing intense and persistent tooth pain can indicate a dental emergency. The pain may be sharp, throbbing, and constant, which could indicate various issues, including infection, tooth fracture, or abscess.
In such a case, rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water. Use a dental floss to remove any lodged food. Apply a cold compress to your mouth or side of the face if you experience any swelling. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever and visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Swelling of the Face or Gums
A sudden swelling of the face, gums, or jaw can also indicate a dental emergency especially if it is also accompanied by pain or difficulty breathing or swallowing. Facial swelling also signals infection or abscess that requires emergency dental care to prevent further complications.
In case of swelling, use a cold compress outside of your mouth while you wait for the dentist.
Loose or Knocked-Out Tooth
A loose or knocked-out tooth also indicates a dental emergency. If a permanent tooth comes loose due to injury or trauma, it is vital to seek emergency dental care to prevent any further damage and raise the chances of saving the tooth.
In addition, if the tooth is entirely knocked out, retrieve it, hold it by the crown, rinse off the tooth root with water, and preserve the broken tooth in a small container of milk. Do not try to put the back tooth in its socket. Make sure to visit your dentist within an hour to increase the chances of reattachment.
Cracked or Fractured Tooth
A cracked or fractured tooth can also lead to persistent pain and sensitivity, especially while eating. Depending on the intensity of the fracture, treatment may include dental fillings or crowns or extensive procedures, including root canal therapy.
If you have a cracked tooth, save and rinse the broken pieces of your tooth. Rinse out your mouth with lukewarm water before applying a piece of gauze to the area (in case of bleeding). Apply a cold compress outside of your mouth to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Make sure to visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Dental Abscess
An abscess refers to a pus-filled area that develops around an infected tooth root. If the abscess is left untreated, it may also grow outside of your jaw and cause further damage.
An abscess is an urgent condition that can threaten your oral health. If you have an abscess, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible. Meanwhile, you can rinse your mouth with a lukewarm salt solution to ease the pain and reduce infection.
What Should You Do When It Is Not a Dental Emergency?
As mentioned above, not all situations are emergencies. You should, however, still visit your dentist as soon as possible. It may be alright to wait for an appointment during regular business hours. Some examples of situations that are not dental emergencies include:
- Broken braces
- Object stuck between your teeth
- Minor soft tissue injury, including small cut or sore
- Dull of mild toothache
- Small crack in the tooth
In case any of the above symptoms are accompanied by bleeding, swelling, or intense pain, it should be treated as a dental emergency.
Takeaway
A dental emergency refers to a situation that causes injury to the mouth and leads to uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain, or even broken bones. If left untreated, this can escalate the condition and cause further complications. Immediate treatment is the key to prevent such complications.
Get Immediate Help From Our Emergency Dentists at Osseo Family Dentistry!
Prompt treatment is the cornerstone of dental emergencies. Our team of emergency dentists understand the criticality of the condition and act immediately to provide excellent emergency dental care.
Schedule an appointment with us today!
You can also contact us at (763) 425-2626.
You can also visit us at 30 Central Ave, Osseo, MN 55369.