By definition, dental emergencies are conditions where you need to seek immediate dental care to save a tooth or free you from pain. These are services that need to be attended to by a dentist because any delays can cause permanent damages or require you to undergo more expensive and complicated treatment procedures later on. Here are some examples that qualify for an emergency trip to your dentist.
Excruciating Pain
A toothache can become so unbearable at times, yet some people would just take painkillers and ignore the problem. It is still best to consult with your dentist right away, not only to relieve you of the pain but most importantly to identify its exact cause. Some people may think that it is just a simple toothache when it could be associated with a medical problem concerning the ears or nasal tissues, especially if the pain seems to originate from the same area. Painkillers will just give you temporary relief whereas proper diagnosis will help you get the proper treatment and avoid complications.
Foreign Object In between Teeth
Some people will use their teeth to bite all kinds of stuff instead of using the proper tools. As a result, they get injured and could get foreign material lodged in between their teeth. If this happens to you, you can try to use dental floss at first but if that does not work, then go see a dentist right away. Do not try forcing the foreign matter out as this may just aggravate the pain, damage your teeth and gums, and cause bleeding. Your dentist can inspect the area closely with his instruments and will know exactly how to proceed without inflicting any further damage.
Lost Filling or Crown
This can also result in pain, not to mention the embarrassment of facing people with a gap in your teeth. The sooner you have it repaired or replaced, the better you will look and feel.
Infections
Unfortunately, some people tend to ignore seemingly small oral problems simply because they think that they can still handle the pain. Such procrastination can lead to bigger problems that will need emergency dental services. Take for example the formation of pus on the gums. This is a clear sign of infection and it may run deep in the gum tissue which can lead to the loss of teeth and other gum problems. If this happens, consult with your dentist right away to have the area examined and have the infection treated.
Facial Swelling
When your body tries to fight off an infection, your immune system responds with inflammation. You might see swelling around your gums or cheeks.
Bleeding
Bleeding can be caused by trauma in the gums, lips, cheeks, or tongue. You can try putting a cold compress on the area to stop the bleeding, but if that does not work, then it would be better to see your dentist right away. He may need to stitch the injury or cauterize the tissue to finally stop the bleeding.
Some oral problems can wait a day or even a week before requiring attention, but with the above examples, it will do you good to seek dental treatment right away to save your teeth and feel relief from pain.
Knocked-Out Tooth
An accident or sports injury could leave you with a tooth knocked out of its socket.
In some cases, you can have the tooth placed back in without an implant.
To save your tooth, pick up the fallen tooth by the crown. Try to avoid touching the root. Then, rinse the tooth with water.
Don't use soap, and don't dry your tooth.
Place the tooth in milk until you can see the dentist. It's important to schedule an appointment within an hour. This will give your dentist a better chance of saving the tooth.
Tooth Abscess
A tooth or dental abscess occurs when a pocket of pus caused by bacteria, builds in a tooth. When this abscess builds at the tip of a tooth's root, it's called a periapical abscess.
A periapical tooth abscess can develop when you leave a dental cavity untreated.
Other causes of a tooth abscess include:
Dry mouth (caused by medications or aging)
A high-sugar diet (which also contributes to dental cavities)
Poor dental hygiene (not brushing or flossing)
Symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
A severe, throbbing toothache
Sensitive to hot or cold food and drink
Fever
Facial swelling
Sensitivity when chewing
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Tender, swollen lymph nodes
A foul, salty taste in your mouth
If you experience any of these symptoms, see a dentist immediately.
Broken/Cracked/Chipped Tooth
If an accident occurs and you break, crack, or chip your tooth, save any pieces.
Then, rinse your mouth and the pieces with warm water. To relieve your pain and minimize swelling, apply a cold compress to the affected side of your face.
You might also experience bleeding. In that case, apply a small piece of gauze to the area. See an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Gum Abscess
A gum abscess occurs when a puss develops on the gums. Also called a periodontal abscess, a gum abscess is extremely painful. It can lead to serious health complications.
A gum abscess happens when an infection develops between your teeth and gums. Don't give bacteria in your mouth the chance to build up. This can weaken your immune system and make it difficult for your body to fight infection.
Symptoms of a gum abscess include:
Fever
A loose tooth
Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
Pain when chewing
A bad taste in your mouth
Pus discharge
If you taste pus in your mouth or feel pain and tenderness, contact a dentist immediately. Your dentist will order a dental X-ray to check for an infection or periodontal disease.
Soft Tissue Injury
The soft tissues of the mouth include the lips, gums, cheeks, and tongue. When one of these structures has been injured, you will want to call your emergency dentist for instructions on where to go. Some cases may require an emergency dentist, while others may require an emergency room visit. Soft tissue injuries such as lacerations, punctures, and tears should be rinsed with warm water before applying pressure to cease bleeding.