When To Seek Emergency Dental Care

One of your worst fears is realized: A toothache begins to develop throughout an evening. Panic mode ensues. What are you going to do? Who are you going to call? Do not panic. Below are some answers for you regarding some typical dental emergencies and receiving emergency dental care.

There are different types of dental emergencies, and most of the time, the answer is seeking emergency dental care as soon as possible. 

What Is A Dental Emergency?

A dental checkup consists of routine cleaning, examination, and dental x-rays every six months. Emergency dental services are never routine dental care. With dental emergencies, usually obvious and immediate urgent dental care is necessary. This is needed to address severe pain, discomfort, or trauma to the mouth.

They may cause bleeding and lacerations to the gums and dislodge or fracture teeth. Other instances can often not be considered an immediate dental emergency, like lost fillings, chipped veneers, or broken dental appliances. However, you should seek care to fix those issues. Some of these should be same-day appointments to be treated.

Emergency Dental Care 101

Top 10 Urgent Dental Emergencies To Need Emergency Dental Care

#1 Broken, Fractured, Or Chipped Tooth

A broken tooth has the potential to be one of the most painful dental emergencies. You are going to want to call your emergency dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will advise you to rinse your mouth to keep the area clean, apply a cold compress, and possibly take over-the-counter pain medication.

A well-trained emergency dentist will set up an appointment for you as soon as possible even offer same-day appointments to get the emergency dental care you need.

 

#2 Trauma Knocked A Tooth Loose

Trauma has caused your tooth to become loose but did not get knocked out. This is potentially good news. The dentist may be able to save your loose tooth through emergency dental care. Your dentist will advise you to take over-the-counter painkillers, put some ice on the area, and see your emergency dentist as soon as possible.

#3 Broken Or Lost Your Dental Crown Or Dental Filling

The main initial concern is not to swallow the lost crown or filling. Try to keep the crown if you can save it. A lost dental crown may need to be recemented. Sometimes, the dental cement washes out.

Your tooth is may be very sensitive (unless the tooth has undergone root canal treatment) to anything going into your mouth. This will include drink and food as well as the air you breathe. Clove oil might help soothe the sensitivity.

Your emergency dentist may recommend attempting to recement crown with temporary cement until you can get emergency dental care. Get to your dentist as soon as possible, especially if you are experiencing pain or discomfort.

#4 Sudden Painful Toothache

Several different dental issues can cause toothaches. The best thing to do is to rinse out your mouth with some warm water. Then it is recommended to gently floss around the tooth to remove any food that may be trapped, causing discomfort. If the toothache persists, you are going to need to see your dentist for emergency dental care.

#5 Food Debris Lodged Between Your Teeth

When food debris gets stuck between your teeth, it can become rather painful and could lead to dental infection if left untreated. The first recommendation is to try to get it out with some dental floss. If that hurts too much, you will need to seek emergency dental care. 

#6 Sudden, Unexplained Swelling In Your Mouth

This sudden unexplained swelling could happen for several reasons, but it is potentially a serious health issue. You may have developed an abscessed tooth. Abscessed teeth are a dental infection. The infection can spread quickly, and depending on the severity, can be a serious medical condition.

There are no at-home recommendations that will help. It would be best if you had emergency dental care immediately.

#7 Broken Orthodontic Braces

Traditional metal braces are prone to breakage over the course of treatment. First, if they break, do not panic. Call your orthodontist to get treatment as soon as you can.

If a wire breaks, you’ll want to try to adjust the wire where it is not poking your cheeks or gums. If there is no way of moving it to a place that is not hurting, use some orthodontic wax to cover it to gain relief.

When an orthodontic band loosens, save it and set up an appointment with your orthodontist to have it replaced or re-cemented. Luckily, in these cases, emergency dental care can be a more convenient process.

 

#8 You Bit Your Cheek Or Tongue

This biting can happen easily when you are eating, chewing gum, or just not paying attention. Typically, it is not an emergency dental situation. But there are instances where it can be more serious. In a more serious event, the first step is to attempt to stop the bleeding. Rinse your mouth with some warm salt water, then use a piece of gauze to put pressure on the wound.

If you cannot stop the bleeding on your own, see your dentist immediately. 

#9 Jaw Injury

A broken jaw is going to be quite painful. There is nothing you can do at home for this other than take some over-the-counter painkillers and use a cold compress until you can go to the emergency room. You will need emergency dental care immediately.

#10 Wisdom Teeth Become Inflamed

Pericoronitis is a dental infection that can occur when your wisdom teeth do not erupt into the mouth properly. If it develops, you will know because of your irritated gums in that area and possibly bad breath. See a dentist as soon as possible for emergency dental care. Dental treatment may include the removal of debris that is causing inflammation or wisdom tooth extractions.

What Can You Do to Prevent A Dental Emergency?

In many cases, there is not a lot you can do to prevent a dental emergency. But below are a few things you can do to limit the odds of seeing emergency dentists:

Wear A Mouthguard

A properly fabricated and maintained mouthguard can save your smile from injury if you are playing sports activities.

Avoid Chewing Harmful Foods

Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, caramels, etc. They can easily cause your teeth to fracture or break or cause loss of dental restorations.

Brush And Floss

Flossing is an integral part of any dental hygiene regimen.

See Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental visits for dental examinations and professional cleanings will help keep your smile healthy and emergency-free!

Common Dental Emergencies Conclusion

A dental emergency is rarely convenient. If one arises, seek a dentist who can provide emergency dental care. An urgent care dentist can resolve most dental emergencies quite easily, while others may require more extensive treatment. The important goal for emergency dentists is to restore your dental health.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact Marielaina Perrone DDS at (702) 458-2929 to schedule an emergency dental care appointment. We cannot wait to help you with your smile to create your dream smile in Summerlin, Henderson, and Las Vegas, NV.