A regular dental concern can wait for a day or two, but a real dental emergency can threaten your health or cost you a tooth. So, it is vital to recognize a dental emergency and get the necessary treatment at the earliest. In general, a dental problem requiring immediate attention and dental therapy to reduce severe pain, infections, stop bleeding, or save a tooth is an emergency.
Common Dental Emergencies
If you are suffering from any of these dental emergencies, here are a few first-aid tips you need to know until you can get to an emergency dentist.
- Severe Toothache
Toothaches are a painful nuisance, something you should not take lightly. It is an indication that something is not right in your mouth. If you experience a sudden and unexplainable toothache, immediately contact an emergency dentist to diagnose and treat the problem. Till you visit the dentist, apply a cold compress, rinse with salt water, or use a painkiller to reduce the discomfort.
- Broken Crown
A broken crown exposes your tooth to damage and infection. Schedule an emergency dental visit to replace the fractured crown. It will help avoid a root canal, tooth extraction, or other dental emergencies in the future.
- Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums accompanied by pain and swelling indicate an underlying dental issue. Bleeding without any apparent cause is not normal. It requires seeing your dentist right away.
- Missing Dental Filling
A missing filling is yet another emergency that may break or chip your tooth without reinforcement. It can lead to tooth nerve exposure and other dental issues that require immediate dental aid.
- Swollen Jaw
If your jaw and mouth suddenly become swollen for no apparent reason, it is a dental emergency. You may have irritation or infection in your lymph nodes that should be treated right away. It would be best if you visited your dentist and we will suggest suitable treatment.
- Abscessed Tooth
It is a severe life-threatening condition where a pocket of pus in the tooth leads to an infection. The infection can further spread into your jaw and surrounding tissues. It may cause hypersensitivity, fever, persistent toothache, tender lymph nodes, or swelling on the face.
- Exposed Nerves
Having exposed nerves is extremely painful and gets worse if not treated on time. It can also lead to hypersensitivity. To prevent further infection and nerve damage, you should urgently seek emergency dental assistance.
- Knocked-Out Tooth
As per the American Association of Endodontists, immediate action during a knocked-out tooth may preserve your tooth. You need to carefully pick up the tooth by the crown and rinse it without touching its root. Try to place it in your mouth between the gums and cheek, or place it in a small milk container and seek emergency assistance to increase the chances of saving your tooth.
Please reach out to our dental practice in Pasadena, TX, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Sprott. Please call us at (281) 991-6530 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.
