7 Reasons to Seek Emergency Dentistry
Life is full of uncertainties. Regardless of how careful we are, we can’t completely avoid health issues. Today you may wake up with a headache due to lack of sleep, while tomorrow, you may wake up with a throbbing toothache.
So, what should you do when faced with a dental issue? Dental problems can be mild or severe. For a mild issue, it’s okay to use home remedies to manage it as you wait to see a dentist. However, some dental conditions require immediate dental care.
By evaluating the symptoms and severity of your condition, you’ll be able to determine or decide which type of dental care is right for you. If you’re not sure, we recommend seeking immediate treatment to be on the safe side.
Below, we’ve discussed the top seven most common dental issues that require immediate dental care.
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- Knocked-out Tooth
If you’ve lost a tooth, maybe from an accident, a sports injury, or tooth decay, then there’s nothing much you can do on your own. By seeking emergency dental care, the dentist might be able to save the tooth by reattaching it back into the socket.
This can only be done within one to two hours after losing the tooth. If your tooth can’t be saved, the dentist can examine the area where you lost the tooth to ensure that there are no more injuries or leftover pieces.
As you wait to see the dentist, you can try to put back the tooth into the socket—do not touch the root, only the crown. Then bite it down with moist gauze. Take care not to swallow the tooth. If you can’t get the tooth back to the socket, rinse it carefully and place it in a container of milk or saliva. You must carry the tooth to the dentist.
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- Chipped Tooth
A chipped tooth is another universal dental emergency. A tooth can chip when you bite on something hard such as nuts or chicken bones. While a chip accident can wait on certain occasions, it’s always important to see a dentist immediately.
If the tooth’s enamel is damaged, it can expose the inner tooth nerves, causing severe sensitivity to pressure, hot, cold, acidic foods, and drinks. It’s best to see a dentist as soon as possible. Luckily, your dentist can either fix the chipped tooth with dental bonding, a veneer, or a crown.
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- Broken Tooth
Many things can go wrong with a broken tooth. For one, pain and discomfort are likely to be severe. The tooth’s sharp ends can also cause further injuries to the jaw, mouth, and tongue. Use a cold compress to help with the discomfort and swelling.
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- Something Stuck Between Your Teeth
If you’re enjoying a piece of chicken and a bone accidentally gets trapped in between your teeth, then you need immediate dental care. Something stuck in your teeth can cause severe pain, jaw injury, bleeding, and inflammation.
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- Tooth Restoration Damage
If a dental implant, filling, or crown loosens, breaks, or falls out, you need emergency care. These restorations seek to protect your tooth. If they’re damaged, they may leave your tooth vulnerable to various dental issues such as infections and sensitivity.
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- Severe Dental Pain, Swelling, and Bleeding
You should see your dentist immediately if you have a persistent and severe toothache or throbbing gums. If the pain is accompanied by swelling and bleeding, then it might be a sign that something is wrong. It could indicate an oral issue as severe tooth decay, infection, or damaged restoration.
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- Soft Tissue Injury
You may also need emergency treatment if you have deep wounds to any oral tissue, including your jaw, lips, or tongue. If you experience severe bleeding, visit an emergency dental office near you. As you wait to see the dentist, you can manage the condition by applying cold compression.
Call for Emergency Dental Services Today
If you’re experiencing any of the dental emergency symptoms that we’ve discussed above, visit your dentist immediately or contact Weymouth Dental Associates today.