Seeking treatment for dental emergencies is a similar process to seeking treatment for accidental physical injuries. Instead of visiting the hospital emergency room, you need to go to a dental clinic. Once you’re there, be sure to tell your dentist all the details you can about the incident so they can recommend and perform the best treatment for you.
If you require the services of an emergency dentist near you, come into our local dental practice as soon as you can.
Common Dental Emergencies
Having access to immediate dental care is one thing but knowing when to do so is another story. Sometimes it can be tough to recognize the signs that we need to visit our dentist to have our teeth and gums restored.
With that said, outlined below are the most common oral health emergencies that dentists regularly deal with:
1. A serious toothache.
Tooth pain can be a tricky thing to interrupt because it can be an indication of a lot of different issues. When you visit the dentist, they’ll be able to identify the reasons for your pain by performing a comprehensive examination and taking multiple x-rays.
An infected pulp, a cavity, or an object stuck between your teeth are just a few examples of reasons why your tooth may be hurting. Press a cold pack on the side of your face that’s sore and then see a dentist when you can.
2. Fragmented teeth.
Usually, a fragmented tooth refers to a tooth that has become cracked or chipped. This can arise from eating things that are too crunchy or hard like ice or using your teeth to open packages. Bruxism (grinding and clenching your teeth) can damage your teeth over time and even wear down your enamel.
If any loose fragments break off your tooth, put them in a glass of milk and take it with you when you go to the dentist.
3. Your tooth’s loose or has been knocked out.
Depending on the activity, facial trauma can lead to serious oral damage, especially when your tooth is knocked out of your mouth.
If your tooth is just loose, bite down gently to keep it in its socket. If your tooth has come out completely, rinse it off and try to put it back in the socket. By acting quickly, sometimes your tooth can reattach itself. If this isn’t possible, put it in a glass of milk and go see a dentist near you as soon as possible.
4. Facial trauma.
Did you know that dental emergencies aren’t just exclusive to your teeth and gums? Accidents to your lips, cheeks, jaw, and tongue can also impact your oral health because all these systems work together and are highly interconnected.
If you experience any bleeding, wash the wound out and apply pressure to it.
5. Broken orthodontics.
The whole point of undergoing orthodontic work is to improve your dental health, not cause you any pain or discomfort. Dealing with broken orthodontics is more of an issue when you have traditional metal braces. Every so often, a bracket can become unglued, or a wire can snap out of place and end up scratching your gums and cheeks. Try not to move your mouth much and go see your orthodontist.
6. A loose or missing dental crown or filling.
Dental implants and permanent dentures aside, most restorative dental prosthetics like fillings, crowns, and bridges are not designed to last forever. Metal devices are very durable and can serve you up to ten years or more; in comparison, devices fabricated from porcelain or composite resin blend in with your smile, but they are not as strong. They’ll need to be replaced after five years or so.
Fortunately, if your device breaks or comes out, it’s quite a simple process to re-install it in your mouth.
7. Continual bleeding.
Oral bleeding isn’t uncommon; if you floss or brush too aggressively, bite down on your tongue, or undergo a particular treatment like tooth extraction, all of these can result in minor bleeding. But, if you’re experiencing heavy bleeding and it’s continual, you need to see a dentist right away.
Are you looking to see an emergency dentist in Crescent Heights? If so, you’re in luck! At Crescent Heights Dental Clinic, our staff is here to help you restore your smile to its former glory. We’ll address any concerns or questions that you have. Head over to our website, call, or come see us in person today!