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5 Common Dental Emergencies and Ways to Treat Them

Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can be both painful and frightening. Whether you’re experiencing a sudden toothache or have lost a filling or crown, seeking immediate dental care is important. 

In this article, we’ll discuss what constitutes a dental emergency, common dental emergencies, what to do in a dental emergency, and how to prevent dental emergencies from happening.

 

  • What is a Dental Emergency?
  • Common Dental Emergencies
    1. Toothache
    2. Knocked-Out Tooth
    3. Broken or Chipped Tooth
    4. Lost Filling or Crown
    5. Abscessed Tooth
    6. Soft Tissue Injuries
  • What to Do in a Dental Emergency
    1. Toothache
    2. Knocked-Out Tooth
    3. Broken or Chipped Tooth
    4. Lost Filling or Crown
    5. Abscessed Tooth
    6. Soft Tissue Injuries
  • Prevention Tips for Dental Emergencies
  • Conclusion
  • References

 

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate dental care to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, save a tooth, or prevent permanent damage to the mouth or jaw. Dental emergencies can occur due to trauma, injury, infection, or other dental problems.

 

Common Dental Emergencies

Here are some five common dental emergencies:

Toothache

Various factors, including tooth decay, gum disease, or infection, can cause a toothache. A severe toothache lasting longer than a day or a fever or swelling may require emergency dental care.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. If the dentist can save the tooth, it must be re-implanted within an hour of the injury. Rinse the tooth with water, do not touch the root, and keep it moist by placing it in a cup of milk or saliva.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

A broken or chipped tooth can be caused by injury or biting down on a hard object. If the tooth is painful or sharp, it must be treated by a dentist as soon as possible.

Lost Filling or Crown

A lost filling or crown can cause pain and sensitivity and requires prompt dental attention to prevent further damage to the tooth.

Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth is a severe infection in the tooth or gums that can cause swelling, pain, and fever. It requires immediate dental care to prevent further damage or spread of the infection.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Injuries to the tongue, lips, or gums can cause bleeding and pain. If the bleeding is severe or does not stop after 10 minutes, seek immediate dental care.

 

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

If you experience a dental emergency, here are some steps you can take:

Toothache

Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to clean the affected area and reduce the risk of infection. Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate pain. 

Knocked-Out Tooth

If possible, save any tooth pieces and bring them to your emergency dental appointment. Rinse the tooth with water, do not touch the root, and keep it moist by placing it in a cup of milk or saliva.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

To reduce the risk of infection, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to clean the affected area. You can also apply a cold compress with some pressure to reduce swelling. If you experience pain, take over-the-counter pain medication for some relief.

Lost Filling or Crown

If possible, save any pieces of the filling or crown and bring them to your emergency dental appointment. Use temporary dental cement, available at most pharmacies, to cover the affected tooth until you can see your dentist.

Abscessed Tooth

The first thing you can do is rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. The rinsing helps clean the affected area and reduces any risks of infection. If the affected area is swollen, apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce it. Over-the-counter pain medication can also help alleviate pain.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries tend to bleed easily and can happen unannounced. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater or an antiseptic mouthwash to clean the affected area and reduce the risk of infection. For swelling and pain, apply a cold compress to the affected area. If the bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes, seek immediate dental care.

Contact your dentist immediately, explain your symptoms, and schedule an emergency appointment.

Prevention Tips for Dental Emergencies

Here are some tips to prevent dental emergencies:

  • Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
  • Wear a mouthguard when playing sports or participating in other physical activities.
  • Avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice or popcorn kernels.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
  • Address any dental problems, such as cavities or gum disease, promptly to prevent them from becoming dental emergencies.

Conclusion

Dental emergencies can be painful and frightening, but prompt dental care can help relieve pain, save teeth, and prevent permanent damage.

If you experience a dental emergency, seeking immediate dental care is essential. You can reduce the risk of dental emergencies by taking preventive measures, such as maintaining good oral hygiene and wearing a mouthguard.

For an emergency dental clinic in Beausejour Manitoba, call Eastman Dental at 204-268 4840.

 

References

American Dental Association. (2021). Dental Emergencies. Retrieved from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/dental-care-concerns/dental-emergencies

Mayo Clinic. (2021). Dental emergency. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/dental-emergency/expert-answers/faq-20058128

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