Generally, any dental problem that requires immediate attention to reduce bleeding, alleviate severe pain, or save a lost tooth is considered a dental emergency. Patients can soothe their mouths by rinsing with salt water or taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication before seeking treatment.
Ignoring an emergency could lead to long-term damage and even potentially life-threatening health problems such as swollen lymph nodes in the neck or a fever. Visiting an emergency dentist like Boca Dental and Braces promptly prevents these issues from deteriorating further.
A toothache is a sign of a serious dental problem, usually one that can’t wait until your next regular dentist appointment. The pain is caused by an irritated tooth pulp, the center of your tooth filled with sensitive nerves. This results from tooth decay, a crack in your tooth, or jaw problems such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome.
The longer dental issues go untreated, the worse they get. Securing an emergency dentist appointment quickly can prevent the problems from worsening, preventing expensive and permanent damage.
If a toothache is accompanied by swelling, fever, swollen glands in the neck or face, or a bad taste, you may have an abscessed tooth. This is a dangerous infection that could cause a life-threatening disease in the jaw and throat. This requires urgent treatment at a dentist’s office or an emergency room and may require draining the pus, a root canal, or surgery.
Common dental emergencies include lost or broken teeth, severe gum disease, and swollen jaw or neck. Bleeding gums should be treated immediately, and if you have a chipped or lost tooth, store it in a container of water or salt until you can see an emergency dentist.
Tooth decay is a major cause of dental emergencies, and it can be prevented by brushing your teeth two to three times daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily. You should also use an antibacterial mouthwash and limit your sugar intake. Visiting your dentist for regular cleanings, avoiding hard or sticky foods, and using dental sealants can also help prevent cavities.
Even though teeth are the strongest and hardest substance in the human body, they have their limits. Biting down on hard items, a blow to the face, or severe decay can weaken teeth enough to break. When this happens, a patient should seek emergency dental services to reduce pain and prevent further damage to the tooth.
Dental emergencies rarely occur at convenient times. They can happen in the middle of the night, on weekends, or during holidays. If this happens, patients should call the dental office no matter what time it is to see if they can be seen for an emergency appointment. Most dental offices will have an emergency number that will provide prerecorded instructions for patients on what to do if they experience a toothache or any other type of dental emergency.
Many people do not know what constitutes a broken tooth and do not seek emergency dental treatment. Tiny fractures of the surface do not require immediate medical attention, but a serious crack that exposes the root or is accompanied by severe pain will. In this case, it is important to visit a dentist on the same day the injury occurs and to rinse the mouth and salvaged fragments with warm salt water. If bleeding continues, placing an ice pack on the area is also a good idea to reduce swelling and halt any further bleeding.
Crowns and fillings are common restorations used to improve the appearance and function of damaged teeth. If these are lost or broken, they need to be replaced as soon as possible. A loose crown can cause further damage to the tooth and should be fixed immediately. A filling that becomes dislodged may also need to be replaced immediately.
Knocked-out teeth should always be considered a dental emergency and treated as such. In addition to rinsing the mouth and preserving pieces of a broken tooth, patients should apply a cold compress and ice pack to the area to help alleviate swelling. It is also a good idea to use dental cement to cover any cracked or chipped areas of the tooth until an appointment can be made to repair it.
If a tooth is damaged beyond repair due to severe decay or an infection, it may need removal. An emergency dentist can perform this procedure and help patients avoid future complications. They can also treat other dental issues, such as abscesses or loose teeth.
A tooth extraction will cause some pain and bleeding. The dentist needs to numb the tooth, jaw bone, and gums surrounding the area. They will also use a local anesthetic to prevent pain from transmitting through the nerves in the mouth. In some cases, oral or IV sedation will be used.
Bleeding after a tooth extraction is common, but it should not last more than a day. If it does, the patient should immediately contact a New York-based 24-hour emergency dentist. Bleeding is typically controlled by a piece of gauze, which the patient will bite down on to create firm pressure. The patient must retain this pressure for about an hour to control blood loss. The dentist may also suggest that the patient bites on a wet tea bag for 30 minutes to promote clotting.
After tooth extraction, the patient should eat soft foods to avoid irritating the area. They should also drink plenty of water to keep the area clean and help promote clotting. The patient should also take a mild painkiller to manage any discomfort.
Tooth extractions are a last resort, but sometimes, they are the best option for the patient. Infections can spread quickly if left untreated, and even a small chip or crack in a tooth can lead to more significant problems. The best way to protect your teeth is to practice good oral hygiene, get regular checkups, and clean your teeth.
A toothache is a very common dental problem; in most cases, it’s not serious. However, you should immediately visit an emergency dentist if you’re experiencing intense pain, swelling, or sensitivity. If you can’t reach a dentist, you can use a cold compress to reduce the swelling and take over-the-counter painkillers.
A dental infection is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly. This is because bacteria in the bloodstream can reach two vital organs: the heart and the brain. A tooth infection can also spread to other body areas, such as gum tissues or jawbones, if not treated quickly enough. A dental infection that goes untreated can also lead to severe pain, swelling, and septicemia. This is why you must visit an emergency dentist as soon as you experience any of the symptoms listed above.
Infections can be caused by gum disease, cracked teeth, or untreated cavities. Some infections can be prevented by proper oral hygiene with daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist for cleanings. Your dental professional can spot some diseases during these visits. Still, if you’re concerned about a potential infection, contacting an emergency dentist as soon as possible is important.
Most dental emergencies involve some form of infection; the most common is a dental abscess. A dental abscess is a dangerous infection when a pus pocket forms inside the tooth. It can be very painful, and you may have a high fever and swollen face in addition to the discomfort. Sometimes, salt water rinses several times a day can help draw out the pus and relieve the pain until you can see an emergency dentist.
Suppose a dentist determines that an abscessed tooth cannot be saved. In that case, they may drain it by opening the occlusal surface of the affected tooth or cutting through the gingival tissue that covers the periapical or periodontal abscess. After draining the abscessed tooth, they may begin root canal therapy or recommend extraction if the tooth is unrestorable.
Medical professionals play a critical role in identifying patients with dental infections and helping them get the treatment they need, but their knowledge of infectious dentistry is often limited. This CME course will equip participants with the knowledge and skills they need to identify early-stage dental infections, offer crucial patient education, and make informed referrals to dental practitioners, improving outcomes for their patients.