How to Know if You are Having a Dental Emergency or Not

What are some situations that can be considered a dental emergency?

Any sudden pain or trauma affecting your mouth, teeth or gums can be considered a dental emergency. Some of these issues might include:

Trauma Resulting in Damaged Teeth

While repairing a broken tooth is pretty straightforward, it is necessary to have it done right away before any further complications occur. The dentist may be able to repair the fracture or chip with a filling, whereas more serious breaks may need a crown or root canal.

If you have a knocked-out tooth then it is important to visit the dentist as soon as possible to have your tooth reinserted. 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 That Cannot Be Relieved

If you experience a toothache you cannot manage with over-the-counter pain medication, first, apply ice to relieve pain and swelling then contact your dentist right away to have this dental emergency resolved.

Toothaches can indicate potential major dental issues, and so it is important to take them seriously.

Lost Filling Causing an Exposed Tooth

You should visit the dentist as soon as possible if you experience a lost filling. The interior of the tooth will be exposed after you have lost a filling, increasing the risk of infection. You can protect the area until you get to the dentist by replacing the filling temporarily with a softened piece of sugarless gum.

Object in Teeth That Cannot Be Removed Using Floss

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 Resulting in Excessive Bleeding

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 Caused By a Tooth Infection

A dental abscess is a buildup of pus which forms inside the teeth or gums. This very painful condition usually develops from a bacterial infection, often within the soft pulp of the tooth or the root of the tooth. They can be caused by a cavity that’s been left untreated, severe gum disease or perhaps a chipped tooth.

Symptoms can include anything from a bad taste in your mouth to swollen glands, pain, pus or a fever. An abscessed tooth will usually need surgery to drain the infection and treat it properly. Treatment for dental abscesses can involve root canal surgery.