Dental emergencies are unexpected and can be very stressful. Continue reading to learn about five common situations that are considered a dental emergency.
Outlined below are accurate overviews of five types of dental emergencies that commonly occur:
Injuries happen all the time due to sports or accidents. When a tooth becomes completely dislodged from the mouth, it is important to immediately seek help. This type of dental emergency is one that should be taken very seriously. If the tooth is accessible, it is advised to keep it in milk or use a denture glue to put it back into place until a dentist can attend to it.
Toothaches are unlike any other pain, which is why they tend to be considered dental emergencies. Most toothaches are the result of a severe infection in the tooth that may or may not have affected the nerves. When a toothache is not responding to over-the-counter pain relievers, the attention of a dentist may be required. X-rays and an evaluation will likely reveal an infection that requires treatment of some kind. In most cases, when a toothache is this severe, a root canal is the only choice.
Jaw injuries are some of the most severe and painful as the jaw is responsible for quite a bit within the facial region. When the jaw becomes broken or severely injured, it is considered a dental emergency in which immediate attention should be given. Symptoms of a broken jaw include severe pain in the face, neck, cheeks, or head region. Additionally, there will likely be severe swelling, difficulty chewing or opening the mouth at all, and an inability to speak.
A dentist will be able to prescribe pain medication to reduce discomfort. For mild to moderate breaks or dislocations, the dentist may recommend a muscle relaxer, pain medication, and a change in diet as the jaw can heal on its own. However, more severe cases may require the placement of metal plates or rewiring of the jaw, both of which require a surgical procedure in which it is likely that an additional specialist will need to be brought on.
Accidents and injuries can occur at any given time, as they are unpredictable in most cases. Of course, those who play sports may be at higher risk of developing an injury to the mouth. A lot of injuries to the mouth result in a broken tooth or one that is severely cracked or chipped, both of which can be detrimental to one's oral health.
When a tooth becomes broken, it automatically becomes at risk of falling out or developing an infection. Additionally, if a tooth is chipped or cracked, the risk is higher of experiencing an additional injury if soft tissue rubs up against it. Bacterial growth is also much more likely to occur when a tooth has experienced a crack or a chip because there is more exposure.
Small cracks or chips may not be considered dental emergencies, but they should be addressed by a general dentist in a timely fashion. However, if the chip, crack, or break is moderate to severe, it is highly recommended to visit a dentist to avoid any further damage or pain. It is likely that a bonding procedure will take place for temporary measures. Later on, a general dentist may opt for alternative treatment, such as veneer or crown placement, depending on the location of the injured tooth.
When a tooth is severely infected, an abscess might occur, which is considered a dental emergency. A dental abscess is a pocket that is filled with pus. It is usually within a tooth or right near it, which will be more noticeable to the naked eye. Symptoms of a dental abscess typically include severe pain, foul-smelling breath, and pus coming from the infected tooth.
Dental abscesses are treated by having a dentist drain the pus so that it is carefully removed from the tooth and the entire oral cavity. In most cases, the infected tooth will also need additional treatment, such as a root canal. This will save the tooth so that it is still viable, allowing for proper function.
If you are still curious about what is considered a dental emergency, get in touch with our general dentistry office. To find out more or to get scheduled for an emergency dentistry appointment, contact us today.
Request an appointment here: https://drdelucia.com or call Anthony DeLucia D.D.S., P.A. at (772) 492-7045 for an appointment in our Stuart office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Emergencies in Stuart, FL.
An emergency dentistry office is accustomed to repairing trauma to teeth. This is one of the most frequent types of reasons why patients go. If you have had an accident and hurt one or more teeth, call an emergency dentist near you. Though you may be in pain and have risks for further problems, you…
Emergency dentistry deals with dental emergencies that require immediate treatment. For example, an infected tooth requires urgent care since it causes excruciating pain, and the infection is always a risk of expanding to other parts of the body.Here are some fascinating facts everyone should know about emergency dentistry:The emergency dental care umbrella covers any dental…
Emergency dentistry can tell you a lot about tooth pain. They can tell you what the cause is, how to treat it, and what to do to prevent it in the future. Tooth pain is typically a sign there is something wrong with a tooth. The pain typically lingers until the root cause of it…
Emergency dentistry can provide dental care during unexpected dental crises. Unfortunately, not all dentists can provide care at any time. That is why some people try to restore their own dental health at home. But the healthiest way to resolve a dental problem is to seek professional care.If patients want to know why they should…