Dental emergencies can be painful and stressful. Knowing how to handle these situations can make a huge difference in the outcome and minimize any long-term damage. In this article, we will discuss five common dental emergencies and provide helpful tips on how to manage them. These tips will help you take the necessary steps to avoid further damage and seek professional help when necessary.
The five common dental emergencies we will cover are:
- Severe toothache
- Chipped or knocked tooth
- Lost filling or crown
- Broken orthodontics
- Excessive bleeding
Severe Toothache
A severe toothache is a common dental emergency and can be caused by several factors, such as:
- cavities
- tooth decay
- gum disease
- abscess
The pain can be debilitating and can occur suddenly or gradually over time. In some cases, the pain may also radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck.
If you experience a severe toothache, the first step is to rinse your mouth with warm water. Then use dental floss to remove any food particles that may be stuck between your teeth. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve the pain temporarily. However, it is important to know that ibuprofen can make you more susceptible to bleeding. So consider that when taking it.
It’s essential to contact a dentist as soon as possible. Especially if the pain persists or if you notice any swelling in your gums or face. An emergency dentist in Peoria can provide the necessary treatment to relieve the pain and save your tooth.
Delaying treatment for a severe toothache can lead to further complications. So it’s important to seek professional help promptly.
Chipped or Knocked Tooth
A chipped or knocked tooth is a common dental emergency that can be caused by several factors, such as:
- a fall
- sports injury
- biting down on hard objects
A chipped tooth can cause sharp edges that can cut your tongue or cheeks, while a knocked-out tooth can cause severe pain and bleeding.
In the event of a chipped or knocked tooth, you should:
- find and save the broken tooth fragment
- Rinse the broken piece with warm water and keep it in a container of milk or saliva until you see a dentist
- Contact a dentist, such as one who provides dental implants, immediately to schedule an emergency appointment
- Applying a cold compress to your cheek can help reduce pain and swelling
An emergency dentist will evaluate the extent of the damage and provide the necessary treatment to restore the tooth. Treatment options may include bonding, a crown, or a dental implant. Prompt treatment is critical to preserve the tooth and prevent further complications.
Lost Filling or Crown
A lost filling or crown is another common dental emergency that can be caused by:
- decay
- injury
- normal wear and tear
When a filling or crown falls out, the tooth becomes exposed and vulnerable to further damage, decay, or infection.
If you have a lost filling or crown, the steps you should take are to:
- Cover the exposed tooth with dental cement or sugarless gum to protect it from further damage
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth until you can see a dentist
- Contact a dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to replace the filling or crown
The dentist can evaluate the extent of the damage and provide the necessary treatment to replace the filling or crown. Delaying treatment for a lost filling or crown can lead to further complications, so it’s essential to seek professional help promptly.
A dentist who offers dental implants in Opelika can provide the necessary treatment to restore your smile.
Broken Orthodontics
Broken orthodontics are a common dental emergency for people with braces or other orthodontic appliances. Broken wires, brackets, or bands can cause discomfort, pain, and even injury to the gums or cheeks.
If you experience broken orthodontics, do the following:
- Attempt to fix the issue with orthodontic wax, which can be used to cover the broken wire or bracket to prevent further injury or discomfort
- Contact an orthodontist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for professional repair
Your orthodontist can evaluate the extent of the damage and provide the necessary treatment to fix the issue. Delaying treatment for broken orthodontics can lead to further complications, so it’s important to seek professional help promptly.
Excessive Bleeding
Excessive bleeding is a common dental emergency that can be caused by several factors, such as injury, trauma, or periodontal disease. Bleeding like this can be frightening and can result in a significant loss of blood. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes or so, you should get to an emergency room.
Your emergency dentist can evaluate the extent of the bleeding and provide the necessary treatment to stop the it. Delaying treatment for excessive bleeding can lead to further complications, so it’s essential to seek professional help promptly.
Conclusion – Dental emergencies and how to handle them
Knowing how to handle these situations can make a huge difference in the outcome and minimize any long-term damage. Remember, prompt treatment is critical to preserve your teeth and prevent further complications. Don’t hesitate to contact a dentist near you if you experience a dental emergency.