Dental emergencies are sudden oral health issues that require professional attention to alleviate pain, prevent complications or treat infection. It is important to identify such emergencies and what to do in case of them in order to improve the chances of success and preserve oral health.
What Is A Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency can be such as any dental problem that requires immediate attention. A good number of times, the emergencies are those that cause discomfort; it may be bleeding or may be related to an injury in the mouth or the face. If the disease is to be detected at an early stage, then there are fewer chances for the patient to develop other complications and to have the best result possible.
Finding a Reliable Dental Clinic
In emergencies, timely access to dental care is crucial. You should not wait; visiting a dental clinic near you will guarantee an early response and treatment. You can get help from online guidelines, check with your insurer to see if you are covered or ask your friends to direct you to a dental service centre close to you.
Common Dental Emergency Symptoms
It is important to know the symptoms of a dental emergency so you can get help at the right time. The most frequent signs are:
- Severe Toothache: It indicates severe and persistent pain, which may be associated with infection or other dental problems.
- Swelling: It indicates a high level of swelling of the gums, face or jaw and may indicate an abscess or infection.
- Bleeding: Unchecked bleeding from gums or mouth tissues, particularly after trauma.
- Loose or Dislodged Teeth: Loose, partially dislodged, or even fully knocked-out teeth from injury.
- Fractured or Cracked Teeth: Visible cracks or fractures that lead to pain or sensitivity.
- Abscess: A tender, pus-filled swelling that represents a bacterial infection, usually with fever.
If you feel any of the symptoms, you should go to a dental professional as soon as possible to prevent risks and facilitate effective treatment.
Immediate Steps to Take During a Dental Emergency
In the event of a dental emergency, taking swift and appropriate actions can significantly influence the outcome. Here’s what you can do:
Severe Toothache
- Rinse: Warm water should be used to rinse the mouth to clean the area.
- Floss: To remove any food particles or debris that may be stuck between the teeth, dental floss should be used gently.
- Compress: To bring down the level of inflammation and to relieve the pain, put a cold compress on the affected area.
- Medication: For the pain, you can take over-the-counter painkillers. Do not apply any painkiller to the gums, as this may cause further irritation of the tissues.
Seek dental care promptly to address the underlying cause of the toothache.
Knocked-Out Tooth
- Handle Carefully: Do not touch the part that comes up from the root, but rather pick up the tooth from the crown.
- Rinse Gently: If it is soiled, sponge the tooth gently with water without washing or even removing attached tissue fragments.
- Rinse and reinsert if Possible: Try to put the tooth in the socket without crushing it.
- Preserves: If reinsertion is impossible, the tooth should be stored in milk or a saltwater solution.
Time is critical; seeing a dentist within an hour increases the likelihood of saving the tooth.
Fractured or Cracked Tooth
- Rinse: Wash the mouth with warm water to get rid of any debris.
- Control Bleeding: If there is bleeding, put gauze on the area.
- Compress: Put an ice pack on the cheek near where the area is painful to help reduce the swelling.
Avoid using the damaged tooth and consult your dentist promptly for evaluation and treatment.
Dental Abscess
- Rinse: Rinsing the mouth with a mild saltwater solution to cleanse the mouth and encourage drainage.
- Avoid Heat: Avoid using heat on the swollen tissue since it will exacerbate the infection.
Dental abscesses are severe infections that can spread; prompt dental care is needed.
Soft Tissue Injuries
- Cleanse: Use a diluted saltwater solution to rinse the mouth to kill bacteria.
- Apply Pressure: Use damp gauze or a tea bag to put pressure on the area that is bleeding for 15–20 minutes.
- Compress: Put a cold compress on the outside of the cheek or mouth to reduce pain and decrease swelling.
If bleeding persists, seek immediate medical attention.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Dental Emergencies
While not all emergencies are preventable, certain practices can reduce the risk:
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Regular check-ups assist in detecting and resolving potential issues before their development.
- Oral Health: Daily cleaning of the teeth and gums with brushing and flossing reduces gum disease and decay.
- Protective Gear: They also protect from injuries that may occur during sports, such as using mouthguards.
- Stay Away from Hard Foods: Some foods, such as ice, hard candies, or any other hard object, should not be chewed as they may cause teeth to fracture.
Implementing these measures fosters oral health and minimizes the likelihood of emergencies.
Visit Bear Creek Dental for Your Emergency Needs
It is important to have a professional dentist when you find yourself in a dental emergency since you need treatment as soon as possible. Bear Creek Dental provides emergency dental services with a touch of patient comfort and urgent treatment as the priority. Our team of dentists is well conversant with various dental emergencies, and they will give you the best dental care during the emergency.
For emergency dental care, our dentist in Grande Prairie, contact Bear Creek Dental for prompt and professional dental care. Your oral health is our priority.
Drop a call to us today!