When you have a dental emergency caused by either an accident or chronic disease, you need urgent care to avoid further problems. But what qualifies as an emergency? Here are 7 common dental issues that require immediate treatment.
1. A Cracked Tooth
Depending on the tooth that has been affected and the size of the crack, a tooth crack can cause unbearable pain. In case this happens, you need some first aid before booking an appointment with your dentist.
You can take aspirin or any other available pain reliever. Ensure you rinse your mouth with warm water and apply an ice bag to your face to prevent or reduce swelling. Don’t chew anything with the cracked tooth, or it can damage your gums.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth has been knocked out due to an accident or trauma, you need to see your dentist immediately. It is possible to safely re-fix the tooth to its sockets but only if it’s treated within 2 hours of the incident.
Before you get to your dentist, carefully place the knocked-out tooth in a clean container after rinsing it in saline water. Our dentists at Hamptons Dental will also help in treating pain and any gum damage that may have occurred.
3. Impaired Braces
Accidents and other trauma may cause the wiring in your braces to loosen or break. This can cause stress on your gums, tongue, and cheeks due to poking and scraping from the braces.
This calls for immediate medical attention.
Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice this. Try to carefully cover the wire with cotton wool to prevent more stress in your mouth before visiting your dentist.
4. Abscessed Tooth
This can be excruciating and dangerous dental problem. An abscess occurs when pus accumulation in the tooth causes an infection. It may result in tooth sensitivity, toothache, and swelling. If this is left untreated, the infection can spread to other teeth, the tissues surrounding the teeth, and the entire jaw. This can be fatal. You, therefore, need to visit your doctor immediately.
As a temporary measure, rinse your mouth with mild saltwater. Repeat this a few times to drive the pus out of your teeth. It will prevent further infection and pain.
5. Lost Restorations
If you have lost your dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, and bridges, you need to see your dentist immediately. Loss of restoration may cause stress on the gum and nerve endings, resulting in tooth sensitivity and persistent toothache. If you can find the restoration that has fallen out of place, put it in a clean container and take it to the dentist.
6. Teeth Injury
Teeth injury refers to loosened teeth or trauma to the entire jaw due to an accident. Do not take any temporary measures as it may cause further dislocation. Instead, visit your dentist as soon as possible to have your teeth restored or receive treatment in case of a fractured jaw.
7. Persistent Toothache
Most people dismiss on and off toothaches as normal. However, this might be an indication of serious dental problems such as tooth decay or infections. Take pain relievers in case of persistent toothache and rinse your mouth with salty water. If the pain persists, seek the help of your dentist.
The complexity of the human mouth makes it vulnerable to many problems of varying severity. It is, therefore, vital to take care of emergency dental issues to avoid infections or losing your teeth.
If you experience loss of a tooth, a chipped tooth, severe bleeding or pain from the mouth, swelling on the gum, and any other significant discomfort, contact Hamptons Dental. We will offer the right dental attention to ensure your problem is solved professionally.