Dental emergencies can be both painful and alarming. They require immediate attention to prevent further complications. These emergencies range from severe toothaches to knocked-out teeth and can result from accidents, infections, or other dental issues.
Prompt and effective care is essential to alleviating pain, preventing infection, and saving teeth. Understanding what causes these common dental emergencies, identifying the symptoms, and knowing where to seek care are crucial steps in managing dental health crises effectively.
Continue reading to understand the various common dental emergencies and their treatments.
Types of Dental Emergencies
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Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches may result from conditions such as tooth decay, lodged food particles, sensitivity, etc. A minor toothache is relatively easy to treat without the assistance of a dentist or drugs. However, if one is suffering from a severe toothache coupled with swelling or any type of pus discharge, then one has to take some kind of action.
Solution:
- For initial treatment, placing cold compression on the inflamed area helps.
- After proper diagnosis, a dentist can treat the issue with restoration or root canal treatment of the painful tooth.
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Cracked Teeth
Teeth can chip or crack due to trauma or biting complex objects. In such cases, spit out the blood and gently press a piece of cotton wool on the bleeding spot to control bleeding. Then, use ice to decrease inflammation and pain.
Solution:
- Chipped-off teeth can be restored with tooth-colored restorations. Deep, worn-out teeth may require root canal treatment and a crown for functional and esthetic purposes.
- Avoid nail biting, chewing pen caps, and opening bottle corks.
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Knocked Out Tooth
When you undergo any accident, get injured, undergo trauma, or even fall, there might be a chance of the tooth being out of the socket entirely.
Solution:
- Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse its root surface. You should never attempt to brush and pull out the fibers that originate from the root section. These types of fibers can also be used for re-attachment.
- If the tooth is out of the socket, keep it moist by immersing it in a liquid such as milk or water. This will help stabilize the tooth and any viable tissues before you can fully seek a dentist.
- The dentist can then clean the tooth and socket. The tooth will be positioned correctly. It can be splinted in place for several weeks before it stabilizes.
- Sports professionals should consider using a mouth guard before every game or physical activity to prevent sports injuries.
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Dislodged Crowns
Crowns are placed over root canal-treated teeth or to correct malalignments. These crowns can sometimes dislodge when biting hard and sticky food. Do not throw away the prosthesis in such situations.
Solution:
- The dislodged crown or veneer should be taken to the dentist to check whether it fits properly before opting for the new crowns.
- Minor adjustments in the crown can help fit the same crown on the tooth.
- If the tooth is fractured with the crown, extensive post- and core treatment might be needed, followed by the fabrication of new crowns.
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Broken Braces
Orthodontic treatment involves braces attached to tooth surfaces and metal wires through the braces. This assembly is strong enough to bear chewing and eating forces. Although these braces are pretty sturdy, they may become loose or be dislodged completely. They can be uncomfortable at times to the cheeks and gums. If the braces break, aligning and straightening the teeth will take longer.
Solution:
- Orthodontic wax handed over to the patient can be placed over the end of the wire that hurts.
- Immediately visit the dentist to fix the wire in the bracket to avoid discontinuing the applied forces.
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Halitosis
Bad breath occurs due to inflamed gums. This needs attention and possibly some form of treatment. When an infected tooth is left untreated for a long time, the infection spreads to the bones and the gums around the concerned tooth.
Solution:
- Brushing and flossing teeth twice daily will prevent halitosis. Flossing helps remove food particles in between teeth, which can lead to bad breath if not cleaned for a long duration.
- Regular use of mouthwash.
- Keep well hydrated throughout the day.
- Anyone who finds themselves in such a situation should visit a dentist to determine whether there are any underlying systemic causes of halitosis.
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Post Extraction Pain and Bleeding
Some pain and bleeding are quite natural after tooth extraction, and the patient can be expected to show some signs of postoperative discomfort and bleeding. However, if this pain still lasts after an hour, seek dental help.
Solution:
- Apply pressure with a thick cotton to reduce bleeding.
- Avoid eating hard food and using straws while having beverages.
- Avoid lip glosses, chewing gum, breathing through the mouth, and smoking.
Conclusion
Although dental emergencies may seem scary for most patients, they are essential to preserve the tooth’s integrity and relieve pain. If you notice any of the above symptoms, visit a dentist immediately.
Visit University Ave Dental for common dental emergencies and their treatment.
Our emergency dental care team ensures you feel at ease during dental appointments.
Book an appointment, or contact us at +1 763-784-1242.