Dental emergencies can be scary, but the best thing you can do is to act quickly and address the problem as soon as possible. Delaying any dental emergency may lead to further complications and potentially long-term problems that require more complex treatments. Here are some common dental emergencies that should be addressed.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
You must take action promptly if you have a chipped or broken tooth. If the chip is severe, it could expose the nerve, which will cause extreme discomfort and pain. Even if the chip isn’t severe, it can still cause damage that progresses over time if left untreated. Therefore, it’s important to get a chipped or broken tooth fixed as soon as possible by a dentist.
Various reasons, including accidents and trauma, can cause chipped and broken teeth. It could also be the result of weakened enamel or teeth grinding. It is not hard to notice a chipped or broken tooth; you can see and feel it with your tongue and fingers.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Another emergency you should address right away is when a tooth has been knocked out, either partially or completely. The quicker you act, the better your chances of salvaging it. A knocked-out tooth can happen from accidents or trauma to the mouth or jaw.
In the event of a knocked-out tooth, it’s important to act quickly. Start by rinsing your tooth with water and attempt to place it back in its socket as you prepare for an appointment with the dentist. If that is not possible, put it in a cup of milk and bring it with you. Milk acts as a preservative and helps keep the tooth viable for longer. Time is of the essence when dealing with this issue, as there’s a chance the tooth could be saved if treatment is administered within an hour.
Abscesses
An abscess is an infection near the root of a tooth that can cause swelling, pain, and discomfort. This can be caused by a cavity or an injury to the tooth. Some signs you might have an abscessed tooth include fever, bad breath, a metallic taste in your mouth, or swollen glands in the neck. You may also notice a pimple-like bump on the gums filled with pus.
If left untreated, an abscess can cause serious damage to the surrounding tissue and even spread to other parts of your body. It could spread to other teeth or even your bloodstream, which can cause serious health problems such as sepsis.
Toothache
A toothache is your body’s telling you something is wrong with your teeth or gums. It could be anything from an infection in one of your teeth to an exposed nerve in a cracked tooth. Toothache can also cause fever, headache, and even a tired feeling. A toothache may also lead to an abscess if not addressed quickly.
Lost Filling/Crown
Fillings and crowns tend to weaken over time, which means they may become loose or fall out completely at some point in time. If this happens, food particles can get stuck in the gap, leading to bacteria growth and inflammation around the area. If these are not addressed, they may further damage the tooth and even decay.
Addressing Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can be scary and painful, but the key is to act quickly and get any issues addressed as soon as possible. A trip to the dentist’s office may be necessary to properly address any dental emergency. A dentist can determine the extent of the issue and offer a tailored treatment plan to help you.
If you have broken, chipped, or knocked out teeth, your dentist will provide a suitable solution to help restore your smile. This may include getting a crown, bridge, or dental implant. These options are designed to give you a natural-looking smile and restore your mouth’s functionality without discomfort.
For toothaches, a dentist can determine the underlying cause of the issue and provide suitable treatment to relieve the pain and restore your mouth’s health. This may include root canal therapy, antibiotics, fillings, or other treatments, depending on the problem. If the problem has been detected earlier, you may only need to get a filling or take antibiotics.
On the other hand, your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics for abscesses to help clear up the infection and reduce the pain. They may also suggest treatment like root canal therapy, fillings, or crowns depending upon the extent of damage caused by the abscess.
You may need a replacement if a lost filling or crown causes toothache. Your dentist can provide a suitable solution and advise on the best ways to take care of your teeth in the future. All you need is to appoint and visit your local dentist, and they will be able to provide a tailored treatment plan.
These emergencies can cause further damage and potentially long-term complications that require more complex treatments if left untreated. Therefore, take the time to check in with your dentist if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned. Prevention is always better than cure—get regular checkups and keep your oral hygiene routine in check to ensure your dental health remains top-notch.
