It can be difficult to know if you should seek immediate dental care or if the problem can wait. This is excellent news: If you injure a tooth, there may be a lot of blood, but this does not always indicate the seriousness of your injury because your head contains a lot of blood vessels.
Dental emergencies can happen when we least expect them, causing pain and discomfort that requires immediate attention. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of dental emergencies is crucial for prompt intervention and preventing further complications. While some people postpone such treatment due to concerns about excessive expenses, the truth is that ignoring the dentist will result in greater long-term costs and a slew of unwanted, if not harmful, repercussions.
Here is a list of frequent dental injuries for which you should seek emergency medical attention:
1. Severe Toothache
- Signs: intense, persistent tooth pain that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter pain medication.
- Possible causes: Tooth decay, infection, or a dental abscess
- Immediate action: Contact your dentist near you to schedule an emergency appointment. Meanwhile, rinse your mouth with warm water and use floss to remove any debris around the affected tooth.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth
- Signs: A completely displaced tooth.
- Possible causes: trauma, accidents, or sports injuries.
- Immediate Action: Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If this isn’t possible, store it in milk or a tooth preservation kit and seek immediate dental care.
3. Broken or Fractured Tooth
- Signs: visible cracks, chips, or breaks in a tooth.
- Possible causes: trauma, biting on hard objects, or untreated cavities.
- Immediate Action: Rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and contact your dentist for an emergency dentistry near you appointment. Save any broken tooth fragments.
4. Abscess or Gum Infection
- Signs: swelling, painful gums, pus drainage, and fever
- Possible causes:Untreated cavities, gum disease, or an infection.
- Immediate action: Contact your dentist promptly. Warm saltwater rinses may provide temporary relief, but professional intervention is essential to address the underlying infection.
5. Lost or Broken Dental Crown
- Signs: missing or damaged dental crown.
- Possible causes: decay, trauma, or normal wear and tear.
- Immediate action: Save the crown if possible and schedule an appointment with your dentist. Avoid chewing on the affected side, and use dental cement or over-the-counter temporary dental adhesive to temporarily reattach the crown.
6. Jaw Injury or Pain
- Signs: jaw pain, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, and clicking sounds.
- Possible causes: Trauma, teeth grinding (bruxism), or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
- Immediate action: Apply a cold compress, take over-the-counter pain relievers, and see your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Contact Our Team at South Side Dental
Avoid using readily available pain relievers like aspirin, as they can potentially lead to tissue burns if they come in direct contact with the affected gums. Instead, opt for a cold compress applied externally on your cheek to alleviate discomfort. It’s advisable to reach out to an emergency dentist promptly for professional guidance and intervention.
Upon completion of your treatment, your dental care provider will stress the significance of consistent oral hygiene practices to ward off cavities, tooth decay, and other significant dental issues. Should you encounter any of the indicators mentioned earlier or if you have inquiries concerning your oral well-being, our team of dentists possesses the expertise and insight to safeguard your dental health.
Drop by South Side Dental for more details about the range of services we offer. Alternatively, don’t hesitate to give us a call for personalized assistance.
