What To Do When A Dental Emergency Occurs?

It’s quite normal to shrug off the importance of dental health. Fact remains, millions of people suffer from some form of dental discomfort painful enough to call for help. According to the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Health Policy Institute, around 2.2 million people visit emergency rooms annually.

Like any other medical crisis, emergencies involving the teeth or mouth normally occur unexpectedly. Knowing what to do during a dental emergency will help you utilize every second to help lessen the severeness of the problem. Knowing who to contact vouches that you can take action right away.

Some conditions that could happen will require a quick action to treat them. Other circumstances may not need prompt service by a dentist. It helps to understand the difference between a dental emergency and a minor condition that won’t need the same quick response.

What Is A Dental Emergency?

An oral checkup involves consultation, regular cleaning, and X-rays twice a year. A dental emergency is different from routine. With dental emergencies, generally obvious and prompt response is required to treat extreme discomfort, pain, or trauma to the mouth that may lead to bleeding and cuts to the gums, and fractured or dislodged teeth.

Some cases, such as damaged dental appliances, lost fillings, or cracked veneers, while very disturbing — don’t pose an emergency.

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Below are some common conditions that affirm expedite or emergency dental care.

Knocked-out tooth

A tooth can be knocked out by a strike to the mouth, or a collision involving the face. This can happen, for instance, while playing sports. When a tooth gets knocked out, you have to move into action immediately to raise the chances of saving it. If the tooth stays out of your mouth for over an hour, it’s unlikely that the dentist can reimplant it.

Toothache

Tooth pain can signify different dental issues, and its cause should be recognized so that it can be relieved. Common causes of toothaches are when something is stuck between teeth and pulp infections. When toothache kicks in unexpectedly, is gradually getting worse, or is severe, it is particularly necessary to consult an emergency dentist.

Fractured Tooth

A fractured tooth is another dental emergency. An emergency dentist can usually mend a small fracture with filling. A more grave fracture may require a root canal and a crown. In some severe conditions, the dentist may have to perform a tooth extraction.

Abscess

An abscess is an acute infection in the mouth and can manifest on the tooth root or gums. It’s normally due to bacteria that infect the tooth pulp as a result of fracture, tooth decay, or periodontal disease. This pus buildup can induce intense pain, tooth sensitivity, fever, swelling, and a bad taste in your mouth. The dentist may have to drain the infection,  extract the tooth, prescript antibiotics, or perform a root canal.

Other Dental Emergencies

If you’re experiencing any of the following problems, you’ll need to speak with your dentist to see if they suggest emergency treatment:

•         Severe bites to the tongue or lip
•         Sharp objects stuck in the mouth
•         Gum infections or injuries
•         Fractured jawline

If you’re uncertain, it’s always best to call and let the dentist determine whether the circumstance warrants emergency treatment.

What Isn’t Considered An Emergency?

As mentioned earlier, standard procedures, like dental checkups, cleanings, and X-rays, aren’t emergencies. Here are several other procedures that aren’t deemed as emergencies except when you’re suffering from a severe pain:

• Tooth fillings
• Orthodontic procedures (like tooth extraction, fiberotomy, and implant)
• Cosmetic procedures (like veneers, teeth whitening, and bonding)

What to Do During a Dental Emergency

The way you care for teeth and gums will vary contingent on the emergency and the severeness of the case.

• If you have a cracked or chipped, it’s alright to take acetaminophen to help alleviate the pain. But you’ll need to avoid applying a numbing gel because this could harm your gums. If you fracture your tooth, call your dentist immediately to know your options. As you’re waiting to be seen, rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold compress to lessen facial swelling.
• For a knocked-out adult or permanent tooth, have it moist all the time. If you can,re-inserting the tooth into its socket. If that’s not plausible, stash the tooth in your mouth between their cheek and gums, in milk, or use a tooth preservation product that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Then, go to your dentist’s office immediately.
• For tooth or gum pain and problems with bleeding gums, rinse out your mouth with lukewarm water. Gentle flossing can help take out foreign objects or other particles from teeth and gums. Clean the part with water and apply a wet compress to stop the bleeding for soft tissue damage.
• To reduce the pain if you have an Abscess, you can rinse the mouth with mild saltwater, which will help remove some of the bacteria. Repeat this many times the entire day until you can see your dentist.

What To Do If You Need Emergency Dental Care

Who to Contact and Where to Go

In case you are experiencing any of the dental emergencies noted above, call your dentist’s office post-haste. If you reach their voicemail, they’ll possibly give instructions or an emergency contact number. Leave a message and thoroughly describe your symptoms. The voicemail monitoring calls will take information and send it to the dentist to determine how to help the patient.

Typically, emergencies get addressed as soon as possible. If discomfort and pain persist, visit your nearest emergency department so they can treat your discomfort and pain, and decide if a dental appointment is needed.

How To Avoid Dental Emergency

Regular brushing and flossing is the first line of defense to prevent dental problems. Your teeth and gums will be stronger and healthier when you take good care of your mouth.

You must never tear or open things with your teeth. This pertains to unscrewing caps or opening bottles with your teeth. Yes, your teeth are strong; however, they’re not to be taken for granted.

When playing contact sports, like boxing, team handball, and basketball, you can help prevent injuries by wearing a mouthguard.

Having routine appointments and cleanings with a trusted dental professional is also vital to prevent an emergency. Being careful of what you’re eating can help safeguard your teeth against becoming cracked or chipped.

Emergency Dental Clinic Near Me

Dental emergencies are unsound, and you must seek treatment promptly to prevent any further complications. Visit Luxadent for assistance. Our highly skilled dentists at Houston, TX treat different dental emergencies with care and compassion. 

Call our dental office at 832-462-6484 to get immediate assistance.