What is Dental Emergency? Here’s What You Need to Know

Dental emergencies can include anything from a cracked tooth to an entirely knocked-out tooth.

If you don’t take care of dental emergencies quickly, they can cause extensive damage, like infection and decaying teeth. That’s why it is crucial to know the signs of a dental emergency and how to handle one if it occurs.

What is considered a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies are any situations that arise and need an emergency dentist’s help immediately, to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. A few examples of common dental emergencies are below: 

Damaged restorations

If you have a loose or damaged restoration, it is best to see your dentist right away. Continuing to go without emergency dental treatment may result in additional damage or infection. For instance, if you have a broken crown, your dentist will need to replace it to restore its function and prevent any future problems. 

Exposed nerves

When your nerves are exposed, it is a painful experience that will only intensify if you delay seeing your dentist. Seek dental help right away to avoid more infections, nerve damage, or the need for additional emergency treatments. 

Avulsed teeth

The quicker you receive treatment after an avulsed tooth, the higher the chance of saving it. If possible, put the tooth back into its socket immediately and hold it there using a damp cloth while keeping your mouth closed.

If you cannot place the tooth back into its socket, keep it moist by storing it in a container with milk or saltwater. Do not try to clean the tooth yourself; hold it by the top rather than the root until you can see your emergency dentist for care.

Fractured or broken teeth 

If you have a broken or fractured tooth, it can be painful and susceptible to infection and decay. You should seek professional treatment from an emergency dentist immediately. Your dentist will devise a plan of treatment depending on the severity of your tooth fracture. If it is a minor fracture, they may be able to fix it using dental bonding or a filling. However, if the fracture is more severe, you may need a bridge, crown, or root canal treatment.

Severe swelling

When your immune system overreacts to an injury or infection, it can cause severe swelling. This is a dental emergency that needs immediate dental treatment. Contact your emergency dentist immediately if you experience severe swelling in your face, jaw, or neck. In the meantime, put a cold compress over the area to help decrease inflammation and avoid chewing on the swollen side of your mouth. 

Unexplainable toothache

Toothaches are more than a passing discomfort; they’re actually your body’s way of alerting you to an issue in your mouth. If you are experiencing sudden, unexplained tooth pain, it is best to find a qualified emergency dentist who can help diagnose and treat the problem.

Below are some things you can do to tide you over until you can see your dentist:

• Use a cold compress
• Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution
• Take over-the-counter pain medication to help alleviate the pain

Persistent bleeding

It is important to seek dental care as soon as possible if you are experiencing persistent bleeding. Various factors, such as facial trauma, gum disease, or dental decay, can lead to persistent bleeding. Depending on what is causing the bleeding, treatment could be anything from medication to surgery. Other dental procedures may also be necessary, such as getting a crown or root canal.

Emergency Dental Treatments 

Root canal therapy

Root canal therapy is a treatment to save teeth that have been severely decayed or infected. The dentist accesses the tooth by opening the crown and removing the infected tissue from the pulp chamber. 

Dental crowns

A crown is a fitted cap that covers the entire visible surface of a tooth. The dentist first removes a small amount of your tooth’s enamel layer. They will then take an impression in order to design a custom crown that is matched to the colour of your tooth.

A temporary crown will be placed on your tooth by your dentist to keep it healthy until your permanent crown is ready. 

Dental bonding 

Dental bonding is an excellent option to fix small cracks, chips, and other damage to your teeth. The process uses a strong resin that can be moulded and shaped to match your teeth perfectly. 

Dental fillings

Dental fillings are used to fix cavities and replenish any damaged surfaces on your teeth that were caused by decay. Once the damaged dental tissue is removed, the tooth is repaired with successive layers of composite resin, which are hardened with the help of a curing light. 

Get emergency dental care at No Gaps Dental

At No Gaps Dental, we are aware that dental problems can happen anytime. That’s why we offer emergency dental care services to help you receive treatment as soon as possible.

We strive to make our patients as comfortable as possible during a dental emergency because we understand how stressful it can be. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, book an appointment with No Gaps Dental or call us on (02) 8007 6727 now.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. 

References

Handling Dental Emergencies
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/handling-dental-emergencies#1

Root Canal
https://www.healthline.com/health/root-canal