Emergency Dentistry: Common Dental Emergencies & Treatment

What is An Emergency Dental Situation?

A dental emergency is any bruising that affects the teeth, soft tissues, and dental restorations. Pain, bleeding, and swelling can occur after a dental emergency.

What Are the Common Emergencies that Should be Addressed Immediately?

There are many different types of dental emergencies, some are urgent and others are not so. The most common urgent dental emergency is a knocked-out tooth. You can prevent your teeth from getting knocked out by wearing proper protective gear when playing contact sports like football and boxing.

If you experience a sudden feeling of your tooth snapping off and numbness in your mouth, you have likely dislocated one or more teeth. Try to gently push the tooth back into its socket with your finger before seeing a dentist.

It is also important to exercise caution when biting down too hard on something like ice if you have sensitive teeth.

Other common dental problems that need emergency dental care are:

A Toothache

Tooth pain is usually caused by decay or fractured tooth. The toothache can clear with home remedies. However, if you have persistent and throbbing pain, it is best to visit an emergency dentist near you for treatment.

You can, however, alleviate the pressure by rinsing with warm saltwater. Pain medications can be used, but only with a recommendation from the dentist.

If you cannot relieve the toothache with ice therapy, you should call an emergency dentist for assistance. This is because it could be a serious problem needing a root canal or extraction.

A Fractured or Chipped Tooth

Your teeth can fracture or chip if you bite something hard. You may feel pain or sensitivity when eating certain foods. It is important to avoid taking hot or cold foods to reduce the severity of the pain.

Severe Gum Disease

Bacterial infection is the primary cause, and it causes inflammation and bleeding while brushing. Other symptoms include gum swelling and pus in between your teeth. Rinsing your mouth with warm mixed with salt can stop bleeding.

Loose Teeth

If one of the front teeth is wiggling more than usual in its socket, it’s possible that the tooth or a filling has been knocked out. This can occur when biting down on hard foods or because of grinding your teeth at night.

Swollen Tongue and Face

If you have an untreated bacterial infection, it may spread to other tissue in the mouth. This may cause the face, tongue, and other areas in the mouth to swell.

Pain in the Jaw

Bacterial infection is the common cause of jaw pain. However, Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) can be a trigger, and it causes swelling, difficulty speaking, swallowing, or chewing. Using ice therapy can ease the pain and reduce swelling.

If a dental emergency occurs: visit a dentist near you promptly if possible. In cases where you cannot contact your dentist, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

How Can You Prevent Dental Emergency?

Although dental emergencies occur without warning, you can prevent their severity.

• Brush, floss, and rinse your mouth with mouthwash daily. This will help to keep dental problems like decay and gum disease at bay.
• See your dentist every six months for regular checkups, cleanings, and x-rays, as well as other services that might be necessary. Dentists can identify problems before they turn into major ones or become painful symptoms of a dental emergency.
• Consider getting a mouth guard to protect your teeth from injury while playing sports or other recreational activities such as biking and skateboarding.

Take Action

You can book an appointment or visit Quantum Dental for Emergency Dentistry in Boynton Beach, FL after an accident occurs to prevent complications.