The last thing you expect while walking down a flight of stairs is to need emergency dentistry. But one slip of your foot and one knock to the mouth, and you are gone.
Dental emergencies may not be as common as other health issues, but they can strike at any time, often when we least expect them. Whether it’s a sudden, excruciating toothache in the middle of the night or a serious dental trauma from an unfortunate fall, these situations demand immediate attention.
Understanding what cases are considered as a dental emergency is important for taking timely action, as it can mean the difference between saving your tooth from permanent damage.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency refers to any oral health issue that requires prompt intervention and immediate attention to stop bleeding, alleviate severe pain, or save a tooth. Knowing how to identify a dental emergency and understanding the right steps to manage it can make a huge difference in the outcome.
Cases that Can be Considered as Dental Emergency
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches are more than just a minor annoyances; they are signals from your body that something is wrong. While it’s true that not all toothaches are considered emergencies, pain in your tooth accompanied by intense pain, fever, swelling, red or swollen gums, or pus discharge would qualify as a problem that requires immediate attention.
These symptoms potentially indicate a more serious root cause that might require oral surgery or other treatment to alleviate pain and avoid further problems.
Dental Trauma
Unfortunately, accidents can happen at any time, leading to a mouth or teeth injury. Dental trauma such as knocked-out teeth, a chipped or broken tooth, or severe injuries to the soft tissues in your mouth qualify as an emergency dentistry case. Seeking immediate dental attention is vital in such cases and could mean the difference between saving or losing the tooth.
Lost or Broken Dental Restoration
Losing or breaking a dental restoration, such as a crown or a filling, is a fairly common problem. But it does qualify as a dental emergency that needs to be addressed promptly. The absence of a dental restoration could expose the inside layers of your tooth, leading to undue pain and unwanted problems.
An emergency dentist can provide an immediate and temporary solution for the problem and schedule an appointment later to complete the restoration.
Serious Tooth Infections
Tooth infections have the tendency to escalate quickly and turn into potentially life-threatening situations. An infection that shows symptoms like extreme swelling, swollen lymph nodes under the jaw, high fever, and difficulty in swallowing and breathing needs to be treated right away.
An emergency dentist can provide the required treatment and prescribe you any necessary antibiotics.
Uncontrollable Oral Bleeding
You may require emergency dentistry if you are bleeding uncontrollably from the mouth. If you cannot stop the bleeding through gentle pressure or if the bleeding goes on for an extended period, it is a clear case of a dental emergency. The reasons behind the bleeding could be many – gum injuries, a deep cut in the soft tissue, or a dislodged tooth.
Seeking the expert services of an emergency dentist can prevent excessive blood loss and help you address the issue immediately.
Fractured or Dislocated Jaw
Sudden injury to the jaw can be jarring and concerning. If you are experiencing symptoms such as severe swelling, extreme pain, or an inability to open or close your jaw properly, it could indicate a fracture or dislocation. Ignoring such an injury can lead to long-term problems with your jaw functionality.
In such a case, see an emergency dentist immediately. They will be equipped to assess and treat the condition accordingly.
Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Third molars, commonly called wisdom teeth, can create certain issues while trying to erupt. An impacted wisdom tooth with no space to erupt can cause persistent pain, swelling, and subsequent infection. If you experience any of these symptoms and they interfere with your daily activities, make it a point to visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Broken Braces or Wires
A broken brace or wire in your orthodontia can be quite uncomfortable and even painful for those undergoing treatment. While this may not qualify as a life-threatening issue, you may still face issues while eating or drinking. There is also the danger of accidentally jabbing yourself with a jagged wire or accidentally swallowing a broken bracket.
It is important that you seek the advice of an emergency dentist until you get an appointment with your orthodontist. An emergency dentist can temporarily relieve the problem and alleviate your discomfort.
Conclusion
Recognizing the symptoms of a dental issue and knowing when you need access to emergency dentistry can make a world of difference when it comes to your oral care. Being aware of all the cases that come under emergency dentistry can help you act swiftly during a dental crisis and ensure the best possible outcome.
When in doubt, always seek professional dental advice to address any urgent concerns promptly.
Get the Best Treatment for Your Dental Emergency at Diamond Dental in Mount Vernon
At Diamond Dental, we know that dental emergencies can happen at any time and often when you least expect them. Our team of experienced dental professionals is here to provide prompt, effective care when you need it most.
So, don’t wait in pain or risk further complications. Contact Diamond Dental’s emergency dentistry services in Mount Vernon today!
Fill in your New Patient Form today and schedule your appointment.
FAQs
A dental emergency is any dental issue requiring immediate attention to alleviate severe pain, stop ongoing tissue bleeding, or address an infection that could become life-threatening.
A toothache qualifies as a dental emergency if it is severe, persistent, and unresponsive to over-the-counter pain medications. Other signs could include swelling, fever, a foul taste in your mouth, or difficulty swallowing and breathing.
Yes, a knocked-out tooth is considered a dental emergency. If possible, gently rinse the tooth and try to reinsert it into its socket, or keep it moist in milk or saline solution. Seek emergency dental care immediately, as prompt treatment is vital for the best outcome.
