About one billion people experience an oro-dental trauma (injury to the mouth, oral cavity, or teeth). About 20% of these patients are children ages 12 and younger. Without immediate dental care, you or your child could experience complications.
Some situations could lead to lost teeth, affecting your future quality of life. It’s important to search for an “emergency dentist near me” right away.
Not sure when you require emergency dental services? Here are eight signs you should find a dental emergency clinic!
1. A Severe Toothache
A moment of mild to moderate tooth pain doesn’t always indicate you need emergency dental services. However, you should seek help if a toothache is accompanied by:
- A fever
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Pain that lasts over a day
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Severe pain or discomfort
You may have an untreated cavity or infection. Nearly 26% of adults ages 20 to 44 have untreated dental caries. Another 25.3% of adults ages 45 to 64 need treatment.
Without treatment, the hole in your tooth will gradually become larger. Cavities form due to excess plaque. Plaque is a tacky substance that binds to and between your teeth.
To keep plaque from spreading, prioritize your oral health. Brush twice a day and floss daily. Brushing and flossing will remove bacteria, saliva, and food particles from your mouth.
Otherwise, plaque will form and harden into tartar. It will release acid and erode your tooth enamel.
Your tooth enamel is the coating that protects your teeth from decay. Without it, your risk of developing cavities will increase.
If you experience the above symptoms, visit a dentist nearby. They can complete an oral exam to check for tooth decay. They may need to use dental X-rays if the decay isn’t visible.
Treatment options include tooth fillings, crowns, and root canals. If you delay seeking treatment, a tooth abscess can develop. It can become infected and trigger life-threatening complications if you don’t visit an emergency dentist.
2. Knocked Out Teeth
Seek urgent dental care if you knock out a tooth. You may lose a tooth due to a:
- Sporting accident
- Trip and fall accident
- Auto accident
Try to locate the tooth and rinse it as soon as possible. Avoid rinsing it with distilled or tap water, which can kill cells. Instead, place the tooth in cold milk.
If you’re bleeding, apply clean gauze to your gums. Hold the gauze to your socket for 15 minutes.
When touching the tooth, hold it by the crown (the part that appears when you smile). Put the tooth back into the socket. You can hold it in place by biting into a handkerchief.
Saving the tooth could help you avoid the need for dental restorations. Otherwise, dental implants are the most advanced solution for replacing missing teeth. The total number of implants could increase by 23% before 2026.
The dental implant procedure is a multi-step process that will require separate appointments. Your dentist will place the implant (which looks like a screw) into your jawbone. This surgical process ensures the implant remains stable.
After you heal, they’ll place an abutment. This part connects the implant to your restoration. During the next appointment, your dentist will place a crown atop the abutment to restore your smile.
3. A Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess could form if bacteria create a pocket of pus around a tooth. Without treatment, the abscess will reach the top of the tooth’s root. You could develop mediastinitis if you delay seeking treatment.
Otherwise, your airway could become compromised. The infection could spread to your brain.
Symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
- Sensitivity to heat/cold
- Pain when chewing
- Facial swelling
- A fever
- Throbbing
- Difficulty breathing
Look for emergency dental services right away. They’ll drain the abscess before you experience complications.
4. Facial Swelling
Your face may swell due to an injury, new medication, or food allergy. However, it’s also a sign of a serious bacterial infection. If you have a tooth abscess, facial swelling indicates you need urgent dental care.
Visit a dentist nearby if you notice a foul-tasting discharge in your mouth. This could mean the abscess has ruptured. The infection could spread, leading to life-threatening complications.
5. A Gum Abscess
You could experience oral pain if pus has developed on your gums. Seek immediate dental care if you develop a fever or notice pus discharge. You could also experience increased sensitivity or notice a bad taste in your mouth.
Your dentist will make a small cut in your gums to drain the pus. They can prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of another infection.
6. A Lost Crown or Filling
In most cases, losing a crown is not a dental emergency. However, you should visit your dentist if the jagged edges of the remaining tooth are sharp. Otherwise, you could cut your cheeks or tongue by accident.
Visit your emergency dentist to have the crown replaced. In the meantime, take over-the-counter medication to relieve any discomfort.
You can buy dental cement if the crown is intact. Clean the inside of the crown, apply cement to your tooth, and press the crown into place. Hold it until the cement dries.
7. A Broken or Chipped Tooth
A chipped or broken tooth is considered a dental emergency if you’re in severe pain or bleeding. Seek immediate dental care if the tooth is severely damaged. For example:
- A severe break
- Decay-induced damage
- A split tooth
- A broken root
For these situations, the repair process will take more time. Your dentist may even need to extract the tooth. Seeking immediate emergency dental services can ensure a better outcome.
8. Bleeding
Bleeding gums can indicate you have inflammation or an infection. You could have gum disease, which can cause complications when left untreated.
Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution until you can see your dentist. If you experience swelling, apply a cold compress against your face.
Visit an Emergency Dentist Near Me
Search for an “emergency dentist near me” right away if you experience these symptoms. Seeking immediate dental care can help you avoid complications. Otherwise, your oral and overall health could suffer.
Our team at Grey Oak Dental offers a full range of dental services. We prioritize each patient’s comfort while providing personalized treatments.
We can help you maintain a healthy smile for life. Experience quality care. Contact us now to schedule your appointment.
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