Dental emergencies occur unexpectedly, and they are both painful and unpleasant, and in some cases irreversible if you do not visit the dentist. It is extremely useful to know how to behave during a dental emergency and how an emergency dentist can help you in quick and effective treatment of your teeth. In this article, we will disclose the five most common dental emergencies and how an emergency dentist will be in a position to give you quick and effective treatment.
- Toothache
The most common dental emergency, toothache pain is minor or severe. The reason behind a toothache may be multiple, i.e., tooth decay, dental abscess, cracked tooth, or gum infection.
Symptoms:
- Sharp or severe pain
- Swollen tooth
- Sensitive to hot and cold food
- Bad mouth taste or smell
How an Emergency Dentist Can Assist:
An emergency dentist for toothache would start by investigating the origin of the toothache, and it may include a preliminary physical check and a plain X-ray. In the event that it was caused by decay, he/she would remove the decay and fill the tooth. If it was an abscess, he/she would drain the infection and give antibiotics to prevent complications. For a broken tooth, crowning or bonding of the tooth. 2. Chipped or Broken Tooth
A chipped or broken tooth can be due to biting hard foods, falls, or facial sports injury. It is due to growing sensitivity, infection, or further damage, unless it is fixed.
Symptoms:
- Fractures or lines of crack in the tooth
- Discomfort or pain when biting or chewing
- Ragged contours that will sore the cheeks or tongue
What an Emergency Dentist Can Help
An emergency dentist will determine the extent of the break. Small chips may be made to be fixed by dental bonding, wherein a tooth-colored resin is applied over the tooth to re-shape it. This is for bad breaks. A crown will be placed in an effort to guard and support the tooth. When the root of the tooth has fractured, a root canal will be required.
- Knocked-Out Tooth
Avulsed tooth is a term used for a knocked-out tooth, and the patient must be given it immediately so that any chance of saving the tooth can be made. Act quickly — the sooner the better, preferably within a 30 minutes or less time frame due to trauma.
Symptoms:
- Socket bleeding
- Pain and swelling over the injured area
- Empty socket where a tooth previously occupied the space
How an Emergency Dentist Can Help
If you can save the tooth, rinse it off with water (don't brush) and try to place it back in the socket. If you cannot, place the tooth in a cup of milk or saliva and store it moist. The emergency dentist will try to place the tooth in and cement. If this is not possible, the emergency dentist can fit a bridge or an implant for the tooth.
- Lost or Fractured Filling or Crown
The filling or crown can be lost or broken due to wear, trauma, or decay. This can compromise the supporting tooth to damage and sensitivity.
Symptoms:
- Ache on biting
- Heat and cold sensitivity
- Sharp spots or cavities in the tooth
How an Emergency Dentist Can Help:
Emergency dentist will then drain the region and evaluate the damage. If the filling or crown is still intact, the dentist will reseat it. If the filling or crown ruptured, new filling or crown will be constructed and replaced. In some cases when the supporting tooth structure has been damaged, further treatment in the form of root canal or more general crown will have to be provided.
- Abscessed Tooth
Periapical infection or periodontal infection between gum and tooth is an abscessed tooth. It is painful and swollen and can, if not treated, lead to further disease such as bone loss or spread of infection.
Symptoms:
- Severe throbbing pain radiating to ear or jaw
- Swollen face or cheek
- Discharge or pus from site
- Fever and general unhappiness
Role of an Emergency Dentist:
The abscess will be drained by the emergency dentist in order to enable pressure release and drainage of the infection. A root canal may also be required in an attempt to drain the infected pulp and save the tooth. Advanced cases may involve the tooth being removed in order to prevent the spread of the infection. Antibiotics may also be administered to control the infection.
How to Deal with a Dental Emergency Before Visiting Your Dentist
There are several things that one can do prior to seeing an emergency dentist as a way of managing the situation and getting rid of pain:
Toothache: Swish around warm salt water in your mouth and take over-the-counter pain medications. Do not put aspirin on your gums because it irritates the gums.
Broken or Chipped Tooth: Rinse mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Preserve fragments that broke away and bring them to the dentist.
Knocked-Out Tooth: Carefully remove the tooth from the ground, if possible, by the crown (not root), rinse it, and try to put it back in socket or place in milk.
Lost Filling or Crown: Cover temporarily with tooth cement or sugarless gum. Avoid chewing on the painful side of your mouth.
Abscess: Rinse with saltwater and avoid pressure on it. Use painkiller only when needed and see the dentist at once.
The Importance of Immediate Emergency Dentistry
Neglecting a dental emergency can lead to added complications in the form of infections, permanent tooth loss, and destruction of adjacent teeth and structures. A dental emergency should be treated best by an emergency dentist, and he can provide instant relief as well as safeguard from additional injury. On-time treatment shows the best results and preserves your natural dentition and general oral status.
Conclusion
Dental emergencies are painful and annoying, but timely planning and treatment by an emergency dentist can be lifesaving. The most frequent ones requiring immediate attention are toothaches, chipped or broken teeth, loose teeth knocked out, lost crowns or filling, and abscesses. Knowing the symptoms and taking early action in these conditions can save your smile and avoid complications in the long term. In the event of a dental emergency, don't wait — call an emergency dentist — prompt action may save your tooth and avoid issues in the future.
