Lots of people experience dental emergencies during their lives, sometimes they can be the result of an injury or underlying health issue. Today our dentists in Edmonton share with you the situations that should be considered a dental emergency and what you should do when you are in these situations.
What are dental emergencies?
Any problem you are having with your gums, teeth, or mouth that needs to be addressed by a dentist quickly is considered a dental emergency. This can include the following situations:
Chipped, Broken, or Knocked Out Tooth
A chipped or broken tooth can generally be fixed, but it will need to be treated urgently. Your dentist might be able to correct the chip or fracture with a filling, where a more serious break will have to be repaired with a root canal or crown.
For teeth that have been knocked out, a dentist might be able to put the tooth back in place within approximately an hour of the incident. The tooth has a better chance of taking root again within this time frame. After the two-hour mark, the chances decrease significantly, and alternative measures will have to be considered.
Severe Toothache
If you are suffering from a toothache that you can't manage with over-the-counter pain medication, you will need to apply ice to the area first and call your dentist as early as you can, because it is a dental emergency.
Toothaches can be a possible sign of some serious dental problems, so it's critical to take them seriously.
Lost Filling
A lost filling is also serious as it exposes the interior of your tooth, weakening its structure. It’s important to see a dentist to have the filling replaced as soon as possible. You can protect the area until you get to the dentist by replacing the filling temporarily with a softened piece of sugarless gum.
Object Stuck Between Your Teeth
Objects getting lodged between your teeth can be a real hazard and require immediate attention from your dentist. If you are unable to get the object with floss, do not use a sharp item to try and remove it yourself as this could push it further between your teeth - or hurt your gums.
Bitten Tongue or Lip
If you are experiencing bleeding that can’t be quelled after biting your tongue or lip, you need to visit an emergency dental clinic. In the meantime, apply a clean cloth to the part of the mouth that’s bleeding and press down. Use an ice pack to reduce swelling, and look for urgent dental care.
Dental Abscess
This very painful infection is usually found at the root of a tooth and is typically caused by a cavity that’s been left untreated, severe gum disease, or perhaps a chipped tooth.
Symptoms can include anything from a bad taste in your mouth to swollen glands, pain, pus, or a fever. An abscessed tooth will usually need surgery to drain the infection and treat it properly.