Dental emergencies can occur without warning, and knowing the above is essential to save oral health. Unlike simple dental problems that you can make appointments for some time in the future, dental emergencies call for immediate care because they can result in other complications, pain, or even tooth loss. We will discuss common dental emergencies, how to recognize them, and what you should do if such incidents happen.
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Severe Tooth
A toothache may be more than a slight annoyance; it may signify a significant dental problem. The presence of constant, severe, and unrelieved pain is an indicator that something serious, such as infection, abscess, or decay getting to the nerve, could be at hand. Severe tooth pain can be bothersome, which might affect someone’s eating and sleep patterns or daily routines.
Ways to Make a Difference
If you have a severe toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to gently remove any food that may be lodged between teeth. Over-the-counter analgesics will help relieve the pain temporarily, but contact your emergency dentist in Houston as soon as possible. Delaying treatment could cause further complications.
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Avulsed
A knocked-out tooth is one of the more pressing dental emergencies. It could result from accidents, sports injuries, or even falls. If timely action is taken, a knocked-out tooth can be salvaged. The tooth has the highest chance of being saved if seen by a dentist within half an hour following the injury.
What to Do
Handle the tooth by the crown, the part normally visible in the mouth. Do not touch the root of the tooth. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it off in water. Do not scrub or clean it with soap, which may damage the tooth. Look to replace the tooth in the socket and apply gentle pressure to reposition the tooth without touching the root. If this cannot be done quickly, place the tooth in milk and hurry to see a dentist.
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Fractured or Chipped Tooth
A chipped or fractured tooth can be anything from superficial flaking to a complete fracture. While minor fractures might be painless, larger ones easily expose the nerves in the tooth, leading to intense discomfort and increasing the risk of infection.
What To Do
Warm water rinses the mouth and cleans the area. Cold compresses bring down the swelling on the outside of the cheek. You must save pieces from a broken tooth and visit your dentist. Depending on the severity of the crack or break, the dentist may advise filling, placing a crown, or even going for a root canal.
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Abscess
An abscessed tooth is an infection at the root of a tooth or between the tooth and gum. It is such a severe condition that it can easily lead to the loss of teeth or spread the infection to other parts of the body if it goes untreated and becomes worse. Symptoms include persistent, throbbing toothache, fever, facial swelling, tender lymph nodes, and a pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth.
What to Do
An abscessed tooth requires an emergency visit to a dentist. Rinse your mouth several times daily with warm salt water to bring the infection to the surface. Over-the-counter pain medications can keep you from writhing in pain, but they are just for the moment. For instance, an abscess usually needs some form of drainage, antibiotics, and, at times, a root canal or tooth extraction; therefore, contact your dentist soon.
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Lost a Filling or Crown
Fillings and crowns are generally designed to protect your teeth, so when you lose one, or it falls out, the tooth is exposed to more damage. This can lead to pain when hot or cold substances are taken, and pressure can create discomfort, especially if the tooth’s nerve is exposed.
What to Do
If you lose a filling, you can temporarily cover the cavity with over-the-counter dental cement or even sugarless gum. If you lose a crown, try to fit it back on your tooth using over-the-counter dental adhesive or toothpaste. Both conditions are essential; you must see a dentist immediately to prevent further damage or decay.
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Food or Object Caught Between Teeth
It is pretty common for small particles of food or debris to become lodged between the teeth. Still, if something becomes packed and does not seem to come out with floss, you will likely be dealing with a dental emergency. This is especially so if pain is involved and one pushes against a tooth.
How to Proceed
Never use sharp objects, such as a pin or toothpick, to remove an item lodged between your teeth because this can damage your gums or teeth. Alternatively, gently floss the area again or use a water flosser. If this does not help, see your dentist immediately to avoid injury and infection.
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Bleeding Gums
Gums that bleed easily are typically associated with gum disease, but if excessive spontaneous bleeding from the gums is painful, there could be a serious cause. Severe bleeding might indicate infection or an injury deep in the gums and teeth that can persist.
What to Do
Rinse with warm, salty water to soothe the gum, and apply gentle pressure with a gauze pad if the bleeding does not stop. If the bleeding does not stop and you start feeling swollen or in pain, call your dentist.
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Swollen Jaw or Mouth
Swelling in the jaw or mouth signals many problems, including infection, cysts, and blocked salivary glands. Pain, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and a bad taste in the mouth are the problems accompanied by swelling in the mouth.
How to Proceed:
A swollen jaw or mouth calls for immediate dental consultation. Reduce swelling by using an ice bag on the outside of the face, and do not lie down as swelling may increase if lying down. Seek emergency dental treatment to identify the cause and institute proper treatment.
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Loose or Dislodged Tooth
One of the serious problems is a dislodged or loosened tooth due to either trauma or gum disease. The tooth could still be attached to the socket by some tissues, but immediate attention is required if it is to be saved.
What to Do
If a tooth is loose, maintain stabilization by gently applying pressure and not wiggling it. See a dentist immediately to evaluate treatment options. When treated promptly, the tooth can be stabilized and may be saved.
Dental emergencies are never planned and should never be ignored. Being prepared for an emergency through knowledge of signs and symptoms can make a big difference in how an outcome turns out. From severe toothaches to knocked-out teeth, each situation must be attended to quickly so further problems do not develop and the patient receives top-quality care.
If you have a dental emergency, do not wait until things are out of hand. Contact our emergency dentist in Houston immediately so that you get the necessary attention and care. The team will ensure that you get expert dental emergency care to keep your oral health in check and your pain at the very minimum. Do not let a dental emergency compromise your health; contact us today!
