When Do I Need Emergency Dental Care?
A tooth breaking off while you’re chomping on hard food, a molar falling off during an accident, or a sudden toothache — all these are considered dental emergencies and require fast and professional treatment from dental experts. However, there are numerous other dental conditions that may seem less urgent but can lead to major pain or indicate a serious underlying problem.
Understanding the difference between a tooth emergency that may put your health at risk or a minor dental issue that will subside in the morning is important. Here’s what you need to know about what a dental emergency is and what to do.
Understanding Dental Emergency
A dental emergency consists of anything except routine (e.g. dental prophylaxis, X-rays, and consultation every 4 to 6 months). Dental emergencies are often apparent and require prompt medical attention to address discomfort, fractured teeth, cavity trauma due to gum lesion and bleeding, or severe pain. Your actions after dental trauma will have a significant effect on the outcome.
Any dental issue that requires prompt treatment measures to save a tooth, lessen intense pain, or stop the bleeding is deemed an emergency case. This also applies to infections that are severe and lethal. However, cavities, damaged dental accessories, and lost fillings are not necessarily emergencies.
Emergency Dental Conditions That Need Immediate Care
Understanding the difference between an emergency and non-emergency dental treatment can help you get the care you need. Sometimes neglecting tooth pain can lead to a more serious problem later on. Seeking medical assistance from the dentist will give you a proper diagnosis. It is the best way to alleviate pain and discomfort effectively and fast. It will also spare you from being at risk of life-threatening problems.
Severe Toothache
Having an intense and sudden toothache is an indication you need emergency dental care. If the pain is manageable, there are a few home remedy options you can try. However, severe tooth pain requires an emergency visit to the nearest dental clinic. The dentist identifies the underlying cause prior to treatment. If an impacted wisdom tooth is the primary reason for your pain, your dentist might recommend wisdom tooth removal.
Gum Bleeding
Bleeding gums after a dental floss may seem like a normal occurrence everyone goes through, but it isn’t. The presence of blood in the gums is an early sign of possible gum disease or gingivitis. An urgent visit to your dentist is a must if bleeding persists or is excessive. Treating gum disease at an early age is crucial to keep your teeth and mouth complete and healthy.
Dental Abscess
Any sign of a dental abscess should have you on your way to see an emergency dentist ASAP. A tooth abscess is an infection generally located at the root of a tooth. Treatment should be sought out as soon as possible since most of the symptoms are related to other infections. Generally, this condition requires surgery.
Symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
swollen glands
presence of pus in the infected area
horrid taste in your mouth
fever.
Tooth loss
Adults do not normally have loose teeth unless something is wrong with their teeth and/or gums, whether from a tooth injury, a localized infection, or other underlying causes. If your tooth feels loose or if it falls off completely, pay your dentist a visit as soon as you can. This way, they can administer the appropriate dental care and mitigate any other symptoms.
Canker Sores
Canker sores are typically harmless lesions in your mouth. While it’s a common condition and can happen multiple times over the course of your life, a sore that becomes persistent is a major concern. It can become infected and cause other issues. If you have a mouth sore that refuses to heal after 2 weeks, contact your dentist for a checkup.
Swollen Jaw
Another indication of mouth infection is having a swollen jaw (e.g. salivary gland infection). It is a bacterial infection caused by salivary gland blockage. See a dentist so they can assess your symptoms and provide suitable measures for treatment.
What Do You Need to Do?
If you have some of the dental emergency symptoms mentioned above, seek medical help with your dentist at once. Emergency cases get treated right away. Set an appointment or visit the dental office. Most dental practices are open to walk-ins if there’s an urgent need.
Tips for Typical Dental Emergencies:
Impacted tooth – Rinse your mouth with warm water right away. This cleans the affected area. Apply a cold compress on the face for the swelling to subside.
Stuck foreign objects – Gently remove using a floss, but do not attempt to remove it with a pointed or sharp tool.
Knocked out adult tooth – Pick up the tooth cautiously without touching the root. If you can, place it back in your gum socket. If it’s not possible, put it in cold milk. It will preserve the tooth and keep it “alive” for a longer period. Proceed to your dentist immediately.
Toothaches – Clean the affected area by rinsing it with warm water. Use dental floss to take off any food particle stuck in between the teeth. Do not put aspirin on the gum tissues or the affected tooth.
Accidentally biting the tongue/lip – Use clean water to wipe the area gently, and apply a cold compress afterwards.
Simple Precautions to Prevent Teeth Injury
> NEVER use your teeth to cut things. Use scissors.
> Always wear a mouthguard when doing competitive activities or sports.
> As much as possible, refrain from chewing popcorn kernels, ice, or hard candies.
These can crack your tooth.
> A proper dental hygiene routine can definitely keep these complications at bay, however unforeseeable dental emergencies do occur. If you’re experiencing a certain dental emergency, take time to evaluate your condition before you decide to disregard it.
At Galloro Dental Group, we can touch up your smile to prepare you for your milestones. We have emergency dental care centres in North York and Toronto, Canada. We even offer virtual consultations so you can seek help from the comfort of your own home.