Lots of us at one point will experience a dental emergency, whether it's caused by an underlying oral health problem or an injury. Here, our dentists in Orangeville list some ways you can tell if you are having a dental emergency and the actions you should take.
Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency is an issue with your gums, mouth, or teeth that needs to be addressed by a dentist quickly. Specifically, this could include:
Broken, Chipped, or Knocked Out Tooth
Generally, a chipped or broken tooth can be repaired but it will need urgent dental care. Your dentist might be able to fix the chip or fracture with a filling, where more serious breaks could require a root canal or crown.
For teeth that have been knocked out, a dentist may be able to put the tooth back in place within approximately an hour of the incident. The tooth has a better chance of taking root again within this time frame. After the two-hour mark, the chances decrease significantly, and alternative measures will have to be considered.
Severe Toothache
If you experience a toothache you cannot manage with over-the-counter pain medication first, apply ice to the area and contact your dentist as soon as possible, as this is considered a dental emergency.
Toothaches can indicate potential major dental issues, so it is important to take them seriously.
Lost Filling
Lost fillings are serious because they leave the insides of your tooth exposed, making its structure weak. It’s essential to visit your dentist as fast as possible so they can replace your filling. You can help keep the area safe until your dental appointment by temporarily replacing the filling with a softened piece of sugarless gum.
Object Lodged Between Teeth
Objects getting lodged between the teeth can present a hazard and warrant urgent attention from your dentist. If you cannot dislodge the object with floss, do not use a sharp object to attempt to remove it yourself as this could push it further between your teeth - or injure your gums.
Bitten Tongue or Lip
If you are experiencing bleeding that can’t be quelled after biting your tongue or lip, you need to visit an emergency dental clinic. In the meantime, apply a clean cloth to the part of the mouth that’s bleeding and press down. Use an ice pack to reduce swelling, and look for urgent dental care.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a buildup of pus that forms inside your gums and teeth. This is an extremely painful issue that typically develops as the result of a bacterial infection, generally within the root of a tooth or soft pulp of the tooth. They could be the result of an untreated cavity, a chipped tooth, or severe gum disease.
Symptoms could consist of anything from swollen glands and a bad taste in your mouth to pus, fever, or pain. An abscessed tooth usually has to be treated with surgery in order to drain the infection and treat it properly. Dental abscesses treatment may require root canal surgery.