A dental emergency can turn out to be the scariest situation because, most of the time, it occurs without warning, with a sudden attack of severe pain or discomfort. Whether it is a toothache that knocks your tooth out or excessive bleeding from the gum, knowing how to handle it minimizes damage to be done and increases the chances of success in treatment.
During dental emergencies, most people get panicked, and if not done properly, complications may arise from it. This dental emergency guide will help you in the common forms of dental emergencies, what you can do at the onset, tips for general care, and when you must see a dentist.
Common Dental Emergencies
There are quite a number of forms of dental emergencies; some are worse than others.
- The most common ones are severe toothaches which are mostly caused by infections, decay, or diseases of the gums.
- The knocked-out tooth is another major emergency and has a high probability of saving if done in the next half an hour. Trauma can cause chips or breaks to the teeth while trying to bite on something hard.
- Lost fillings or crowns expose sensitive parts of the tooth, which creates discomfort and makes the surrounding area liable to infection.
- Some of the other common emergencies that require immediate attention include bleeding gums, soft tissue injuries, and objects caught between the teeth.
Awareness of these is, therefore, such an important step toward better management of the cases and availing of the treatment in time.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Taking the right steps immediately can prevent further complications when a dental emergency is faced.
- For severe toothaches, rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any trapped food particles.
- A cold compress should be applied to the area for the swelling to subside. If a tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown and do not touch the root. Then rinse it under water and attempt to place it back into its socket. If this is impossible, store it in milk and go to see a dentist.
- For fractured teeth, save any fragments, rinse your mouth, and not chew on the injured side. If a filling or crown comes loose, temporarily cover the cavity with dental cement or sugar-free gum and visit a dentist.
- Soft tissue injuries often can be managed by encouraging bleeding to stop through application of pressure with gauze and possibly a cold compress.
These steps may help minimize your discomfort and preserve your teeth for proper treatment by a dental professional.
Dental Care Tips to Handling dental emergencies
- Always have a dental emergency kit that includes gauze, pain relievers, dental cement, and a small container for a knocked-out tooth.
- Never ignore persistent dental pain, as it could indicate a more serious underlying issue.
- Avoid hard foods that may cause tooth damage.
- Maintain regular dental check-ups to prevent emergencies before they happen.
When to See an Emergency Dentist
While some dental issues can be managed at home temporarily, others require immediate professional care. If you have severe, persistent tooth pain that doesn’t go away with home remedies, it could be a sign of an infection or decay that needs urgent treatment. A knocked-out or loose tooth should always be examined by a emergency dentist near you as soon as possible to increase the chances of saving it. Excessive bleeding from the gums or soft tissues that doesn’t stop after applying pressure for 15 minutes is another sign that you need to see an emergency dentist.
Visit Dentists of Chimney Heights in emergency
Dental emergencies can be overwhelming, but knowing how to handle them can make a significant difference in preserving your teeth and overall oral health. If you’re looking for a dentist in Surrey or need an emergency dentist, Dentists of Chimney Heights is here to help.
Our team is dedicated to fast and reliable emergency dental care. So, if you need the care, we have it when you need it. Contact us today for immediate help and expert care.