What Are Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency is an issue involving the teeth or gums and need immediate tending to. It could be severe pain, sudden bleeding, physical injury or an infection.
If treatment is delayed, you risk serious oral health complications, especially if the infection spreads or a tooth is at risk of being lost.
Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies are more common than you think. Some of them include:
Toothache
This could present as sudden or persistent pain. It is usually a result of tooth decay, infection, or nerve damage.
Broken Tooth
A chipped tooth is usually caused by physical injury, it can lead to severe toothache.
Abscessed Tooth
A dental abscess can occur around the root of a tooth, the gums, and other soft tissues. It can be quite painful too and can spread to surrounding teeth. If urgent dental care isn't given, it can actually be life-threatening.
What to Include in Your Dental Emergency Kit
Having a dental emergency kit at home or to carry around with you while you're traveling, can really be a lifesaver. Below are what it should contain:
- Ibuprofen — helps relieve pain
- Cotton wool and gauze
- Dental wax (for broken braces)
- Temporary dental cement
- A small container with a lid (for knocked-out teeth)
- Salt (to make a mild salt water solution)
- The phone number of your emergency dentist
Dental Emergency Conditions That Need Immediate Attention
Sometimes, it isn't so easy to tell when a dental issue needs urgent attention, but these signs below should never be ignored:
- Severe, persistent tooth pain
- Bleeding that doesn't seem to stop
- Swelling of the gums, especially with fever
- Cracked and bleeding tooth
- Pus or bad taste in the mouth— sign of infection.
Dealing With a Lost Filling: What You Need to Know
A lost filling can cause so much pain and make your tooth very sensitive indeed. Until you get in touch with your dentist, use temporary dental cement to prevent further damage. Temporary dental cement is available at most pharmacies.
Using Temporary Dental Cement to Protect a Broken Tooth
If you have a broken tooth, cover any sharp edges with temporary dental cement to prevent cuts inside your mouth.
What to Do If You Have Broken Braces or Wires
If broken braces are poking into your cheeks or gums, use orthodontic wax to cover sharp parts. Avoid trying to cut wires yourself. See your orthodontist or dentist as soon as possible.
Managing Dental Emergencies
There are times when you wouldn't be able to get a hold of a professional dentist. Here's a list of what you can do in the meantime to manage pain and control bleeding:
- Toothache: If you're feeling severe pain in a tooth, rinse your mouth with a warm water and use a dental floss gently right after. A dental floss will remove any food particles that night have been stuck. You can also use painkillers to help with the pain, however if you're bleeding too,you should avoid Aspirin.
- Knocked-out tooth: Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root). Rinse gently and try to place it back in the socket, or store it in milk or your saliva.
- Broken tooth: it would be wise to save any broken pieces. They might still be restored if a dentist is gotten in time. Rinse your mouth and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Bleeding gums: Rinse your mouth with mild salt water.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not all emergencies can be avoided, you can reduce your risk by:
- Brushing and flossing daily to prevent cavities and gum disease
- Wearing a mouth guard while playing sports
- Avoiding chewing hard foods and ice especially if you have affected teeth
- Visiting your dentist regularly
What to Expect from Emergency Dental Care
When you arrive at an emergency dental clinic, the dentist will:
- Assess the issue quickly
- Provide pain relief or antibiotics if needed
- Discuss treatment options (e.g., extraction, filling, root canal)
- Schedule a follow-up if necessary
Tips for Dealing with Dental Emergencies
- Stay calm and act quickly
- Don’t ignore the pain. If it is left untreated, it can worsen the problem
- Keep the contact information of a reliable emergency dentist handy.
- Visit the dentist's office as soon as possible
Scheduling an Emergency Appointment
Call ahead if you can. Many dental practices in London offer 24/7 hotlines or online booking. Explain your symptoms clearly and ask about availability, fees, and insurance if applicable.
Aftercare and Follow-up
Once you've seen the dentist as soon as possible and he's recommended a treatment plan, make sure you follow his instructions carefully. Also, attend all recommended follow-up appointments.
If you want to prevent other dental emergencies in the future, make sure you practice good oral hygiene.
Conclusion
Sometimes, accidents happen, and you might experience a tooth fall (a knocked-out tooth), bleeding gums, or a sore tooth. Knowing what to do right away can save your smile.
Always seek emergency dental care when needed, and don't hesitate to contact a dentist if you're unsure. Remember, maintaining good oral health through regular checkups, proper hygiene, and preventive care can greatly reduce your chances of facing unexpected dental problems.
Stay prepared, stay calm, and your teeth will thank you!