We utilize our teeth on a daily basis. Even though they are critical to our overall health, most of us only think about them when it comes to brushing and flossing. However, there’s one aspect that we, as humans, tend to forget: dental crises do occur!
And when they do, quick medical intervention may be required to save a tooth or repair the damage before it worsens. A dental emergency can occur to anyone. That is why it is prudent to be prepared and understand how to deal with any severe dental emergencies.
The text will shed light on some frequent dental emergencies and how a dentist would address them.
1. Knocked Tooth
Carefully pick up the tooth by the crown—the visible part above the gum line—and gently rinse the root with clean water to remove any debris. Do not clean or remove any connected tissue fragments. If feasible, try to place your tooth back into its socket. Make sure it’s pointing in the correct direction. Never force it into position. And if, in case, you’re in Devon and require urgent assistance, an emergency dentist Exeter would necessitate immediate attention to improve the likelihood of saving the tooth.
A knocked-out tooth has the highest likelihood of being saved if your dentist can reinsert it into the socket within the first hour. They would reinsert the knocked-out tooth into the socket and make certain that proper alignment is in place without further complicating bone loss.
2. Damaged Braces/Orthodontic Equipment
Oral health can be difficult with braces and a mouth full of equipment. Orthodontic pieces might break or fall out, causing harm to the mouth. Unless the break is significant, you can typically arrange a normal appointment with your orthodontist to have it fixed.
However, see your dentist right away if the broken braces are causing unpleasant irritation, bleeding, inability to eat or speak, or are likely to cause injury or a choking hazard if not repaired. Here are some things you can do until you see an emergency dentist:
Assess the damage – Determine what broke so you can notify your orthodontist and try to avoid further damage to that area.
Tuck away the loose wire – Prevent ulcers and injuries to your mouth.
Make an appointment – Contact your dentist as soon as you discover broken orthodontics. Depending on what broke, other brackets or wires may also come loose.
An emergency dentist would repair damaged braces effectively and offer guidance on how to protect braces during sport-related activities.
3. Lost Filling or Crown
Losing a filling or crown can expose your delicate nerves and dental pulp, causing radiating pain and infection. If you’re in agony after losing a crown or dental filling, get it replaced as quickly as possible.
If a filling or crown falls out, follow these steps:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to keep the area clean.
- Be careful not to swallow the crown or filling.
- If you need to eat, use the opposite side of your mouth to avoid further damage.
- Hold on to the crown—it may be reusable by your dentist.
- Schedule a dental visit promptly to evaluate and repair the issue.
A missing crown or filling may expose your teeth to elements such as hot and cold liquids or meals, causing increased sensitivity. Dentists can restore missing crowns or fillings to shield exposed teeth from infection and irritation. They provide prompt alleviation of the agony and anguish brought on by broken dental restorations.
4. Injuries to the Soft Tissue
Injuries to the soft tissues, which include your tongue, cheeks, gums, and lips, may cause bleeding.
To control the bleeding, do the following:
- Rinse your mouth with a gentle saltwater solution.
- To apply pressure to the bleeding spot, use wet gauze or a caffeinated tea bag. Hold in place for 15-20 minutes. (Tea contains tannic acid, which shrinks blood vessels and reduces bleeding.)
- To stop bleeding and ease pain, apply a cool compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek in the afflicted area for five to ten minutes.
If the bleeding does not stop, consult your dentist immediately or go to the emergency room. Continue to apply gauze pressure to the bleeding location until you see your dentist.
Soft tissue injuries can be evaluated and treated by dentists to promote appropriate healing and avoid infections. They offer specialist care to control bleeding and lessen discomfort, accelerating healing.
5. Abscess/Infection
A tooth abscess occurs when an infection leads to a buildup of pus in or around the affected tooth. In severe situations, pain might extend from the tooth to the face, neck, or ears. Common forms of abscesses are:
- A periapical abscess is located at the tip of the tooth’s root.
- A periodontal abscess is located on the gum adjacent to the root and can extend to the surrounding bone and tissue.
- A gingival abscess is located on the gums.
Effective diagnosis and treatment of tooth abscesses by dentists reduces discomfort and stops the infection from spreading. To address the underlying problem, they could administer antibiotics or carry out root canal therapy.
What Types of Accidents Require the Services of an Emergency Dentist?
Urgent dental care is usually necessary when a tooth has been knocked out, fractured, infected with an abscess, or if you’ve been experiencing a persistent toothache for an extended period. than a few days. Furthermore, dental emergency care is critical if you observe any of the following symptoms of dental problems:
- Fever and swelling
- Pain from biting
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Foul discharge or pus
- Abnormally red or bloody gums
Final Thoughts
Dental emergencies can be terrifying, but remaining calm and taking the appropriate first steps can make all the difference. Understanding what is urgent—and how to treat it—can help you protect your teeth and avoid issues.
Never overlook oral pain, swelling, bleeding, or trauma. Even if the problem appears minor, it is advisable to have it evaluated by a dentist to avoid future complications.
