What Is a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies are situations where you need prompt medical care, as failure to do so may result in tooth loss or a serious infection like sepsis, which can be life-threatening. But not all types of dental emergencies are life-threatening. In this blog post, we are going to understand the same. All types of dental emergencies, risks associated with them and how to respond to each. Let’s get started!

What is a Dental Emergency?

When something feels wrong with your teeth or gums, the first question that strikes your mind is whether to see a dentist right away or wait and see if it gets better. It’s a common thought process. But when new and unfamiliar symptoms show up, it’s easy to feel unsure about what to do next.

Not every dental issue needs immediate attention. Some can wait without causing harm. Others demand quick action. Ignoring the signs could lead to tooth loss or allow an infection to spread and create bigger problems.

We are here to help you understand the difference, so you can make the right call when your oral health is on the line.

So, What Exactly Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation involving your teeth or gums that requires immediate attention, such as stopping bleeding, relieving severe pain, saving a tooth, or treating a serious infection. It’s not just about discomfort but about preventing long-term damage and avoiding complications that could affect your overall health.

Examples of dental emergencies include:

1. A tooth that has been knocked out or is loose
2. Sudden, intense toothache or throbbing pain
3. Swelling in your face or gums, especially if it’s spreading
4. Bleeding that doesn’t stop
5. A cracked, broken, or chipped tooth with sharp edges or pain
6. Signs of infection, like pus, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth

If any of these happen, don’t wait around. Acting quickly could make the difference between a simple fix and a serious problem.

How to Handle Different Types of Dental Emergencies?

Learn what to do when you encounter these dental emergencies:

1. Knocked-out Tooth: If it’s a permanent tooth, try to put it back in place gently. If you can’t, keep it in a glass of milk or water (never in plain water) to keep the roots moist. Please note that time is very crucial in this situation, so if you can get your dental appointment, just head to the emergency dentist nearby. See a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes for the best chance of saving your tooth.

2. Severe Toothache: If you are experiencing intense pain, rinse the affected area with warm water to clean it, and gently floss to remove any food particles stuck between your teeth. Over-the-counter pain meds can help, but avoid putting aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, as it can burn the tissue. For a situation like this, avoid hot/cold foods and go see your dentist ASAP to figure out the cause.

3. Broken Tooth: If you have your broken tooth, save any pieces of the broken tooth if possible, and rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain. Call your dentist. They might be able to repair it with bonding or a crown, but the sooner you get there, the better.

4. Abscess (Infection): If you have an abscess, there will be swelling and pain in your gums. In this case, you don’t have to wait to see a dentist as soon as possible because the infection can spread. A warm saltwater rinse can help alleviate discomfort temporarily, but antibiotics may be needed to clear up the infection.

Bottomline

It can be hard to get a dental appointment sometimes, but don’t worry. Emergency Dental 365 is available 7 days a week, so you can get the right treatment when you need it. With us, emergency dental appointments are easy, convenient, and affordable. If you are experiencing any type of dental abnormality, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are trained to handle a range of emergency dental situations. Explore more details on our website.