When it comes to dental emergencies, it’s essential to know when to seek immediate care. Specific dental issues can quickly become severe without proper treatment and lead to long-term health problems, including infections and even loss of teeth.
Here are seven everyday dental emergencies that must be taken care of as early as possible:
1. Severe Toothache
A severe toothache can be indicative of an underlying dental issue. This dental emergency could include an infection or abscess in the affected tooth. If you experience severe tooth pain, you must seek emergency dental care immediately. Doing so can help to prevent further damage to the tooth and prevent the spread of infection.
2. Swelling in the Mouth
Swelling in the mouth can signify an infection, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. If you’re experiencing such symptoms, contact your dentist promptly.
3. Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can be a significant sign of gum disease, which should not be left untreated. If the tooth has been knocked out, you should try to stop the bleeding. If there is any bleeding, use a piece of gauze and gently press it against the gums for a few minutes. Then, go to the dentist!
4. Loss of Teeth
Losing a tooth can be the result of an accident or an infection. If you experience tooth loss, contact your dentist immediately.
5. Infection
An infection can occur in the mouth, leading to swelling, pain, and even fever. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately to get the infection treated.
6. Trauma to the Mouth
Trauma to the mouth can occur due to falls, sports injuries, or other causes. If you experience trauma to the mouth, it is essential to seek emergency dental care immediately. This can help prevent further suffering to the teeth and gums.
7. Jaw Injury
Jaw injuries can range from minor to severe and can be caused by an accident or a sports injury. If you experience any jaw injury, contact your dentist immediately. A professional can provide the proper treatment to ensure the damage does not worsen.
How to Handle a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies can be highly stressful and uncomfortable. Whether it’s an infection, an injury, or a lost tooth, it’s essential to know what to do when a dental emergency arises. See below how to handle a dental emergency, from recognizing the signs to finding the proper help.
Step 1: Identifying the Signs of a Dental Emergency
The first step in dealing with a dental emergency is recognizing the signs. Signs of a dental emergency include but are not limited to, excessive bleeding, severe pain, an abscess, a broken tooth, and a lost tooth. If you see any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek help immediately.
Step 2: Seeing a Dentist
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, you must seek help from a qualified dentist. Depending on the severity of your crisis, you may need to run to a hospital or an emergency dentist. If you don’t know where to find an emergency dentist in your area, you can use online resources like Yelp and Google Maps to find one.
Step 3: Treating the Emergency
The treatment for a dental emergency will depend on the type of emergency you’re experiencing. For example, if you’ve lost a tooth, your dentist may recommend a bridge or a dental implant. If you’re experiencing an infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or recommend a root canal. Your dentist can recommend the best course of response depending on the severity of your emergency.
Dental emergencies can be scary, but with the proper knowledge and help, they can be treated quickly and effectively. If you ever experience a dental emergency, it’s essential to seek help from a qualified dentist as soon as possible.
Conclusion
It’s essential to recognize common dental emergencies and seek immediate care. Dental issues can quickly become severe without proper treatment and lead to long-term health problems. If you experience any of these situations, contact your dentist immediately to get the necessary care.
Melrose Dental Group offers comprehensive dental care to ensure patients receive the best possible care. With our convenient hours, comfortable office setting, and knowledgeable staff, we provide that your visit to the Melrose Dental Group is as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Contact us if you have any dental emergency or wish to schedule an appointment.