Dental problems can arise at the most unexpected moments. They can strike as a sharp toothache, a missing tooth, or a damaged filling. Knowing how to identify and respond to dental emergencies can make all the difference between fast recovery and prolonged discomfort.
You can safeguard your oral health in a better way by identifying signs and knowing when to seek emergency dental care.
Which are The Most Common Dental Emergencies?
A dental emergency is a situation that requires emergency treatment to end acute pain, damage, or problems with teeth and gums. The aim of seeking emergency dental care is to reduce pain, prevent additional harm, or preserve an infected tooth.
If dental emergencies are not addressed quickly, they can lead to discomfort and possible complications. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Toothache
A toothache can vary from mild to severe. Sometimes, there can be a dull ache or sharp, throbbing pain that can’t be endured. The most common causes are:
- Decay, which eats away the enamel, thus making the teeth sensitive or sore
- Infection of the gums caused by oral bacteria
When confronted with a toothache, there are several steps that one can take immediately to ease the pain.
- Rinse the area with warm water and remove any debris.
- Then, floss between your teeth to dislodge any loose food causing the pain.
- Do not apply aspirin to the gum as it causes damage to tissues.
- On the other hand, a cold compress applied directly to your cheek near an aching tooth numbs the area and reduces the swelling.
Pain-relieving medication can only give you temporary relief. The only solution for acute tooth pain is to consult your dentist. They will treat the root cause and prevent further damage to your oral cavity.
2. Chipped or Broken Tooth
Chipped or broken teeth are the most common dental emergencies. They primarily result from hard-biting objects and accidents like falls and sports injuries. Even though enamel is hard, enormous pressure or impact might cause teeth to fracture.
After assessing the damage, the dentist may recommend bonding or crowns for restoring functionality and aesthetics. Getting chipped or broken teeth can be avoided if some precautionary measures are observed.
- Avoid hard food, such as ice candy or popcorn kernels.
- Do not use your teeth to open packages.
- Wear a mouthguard while playing sports.
If you do break or chip your teeth, save them. Your dentist can use them during the repair.
3. Knocked-Out Teeth
A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that needs immediate attention. Prompt response increases the likelihood of saving the tooth. In such a case, it is essential to act fast, as you do not want to lose that beautiful smile.
Pick up the tooth carefully by its crown without touching the root. Wash it with water if needed. Try to put the tooth into its socket gently without forcing it. If repositioning is not possible, you should put the tooth in a container containing milk or your own saliva to keep it moist. When the tooth is safely positioned, visit a dentist urgently. The sooner one seeks professional assistance, the greater the chances that the dental piece will be successfully repositioned.
Knocked-out teeth typically occur during sports injuries and accidents. Wearing some equipment such as helmets and mouthguards can be an easy way to prevent knocking out the teeth in cases of contact sports or falling activities.
Also Read: Navigating the Waters of Dental Urgency: Understanding What is Considered a Dental Emergency
4. Lost Filling or Crown
Losing a filling or crown is often more than just an inconvenience. It leaves the sensitive areas of your teeth unprotected, which invites infection. Losing a filling or a crown removes the protective barrier over the tooth, which can result in discomfort and increased sensitivity to hot or cold. While waiting for professional dental care, consider the following temporary measures to protect your teeth:
- Use sugar-free gum to cover the cavity
- Avoid extreme temperatures
- Rinse with saltwater solution
These steps provide short-term relief, but it is essential to consult a dentist to address the underlying issue and prevent further damage.
5. Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. This is a condition whereby pus has collected in a tooth or the surrounding area due to bacterial infectivity. It usually looks swollen, somewhat like a pimple.
A swollen tooth abscess can cause awful pain. A painful, swollen gum area resembles a pimple. Pain radiates towards regions in the body, like the jaw, neck, or ears. Furthermore, if left untreated, the tooth does not only cause damage but may lead to horrendous complications.
Meanwhile, you can try things to relieve the discomfort. Rinsing the mouth with a saltwater solution may reduce bacteria and some of the pain. However, only a dentist can help dilate the abscess, prescribe antibiotics to remove the infection, and give treatment to protect against recurrence.
6. Broken Orthodontics
Even the toughest braces made of metal wires and brackets cannot withstand the impact of accidents and falls. When dental braces are damaged, they can cause more damage to your oral cavity because they will stick out and poke your gums or cheeks.
Here’s what you can do to alleviate this extreme discomfort until you get emergency dental care:
- Assess the damage to properly inform your orthodontist, who will help prevent additional damage to that area.
- Tuck away the loose orthodontic wires to prevent injuries to the soft lining inside your mouth.
- Make an emergency consultation with your dentist. Depending on what broke, other brackets or wires may also come off.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies?
Prevention of dental emergencies is key to ensuring oral health and not avoiding sudden pain or damage.
- One of the most potent measures is regular dental check-ups. These check-ups enable the dentist to keep an eye on your general dental health, identify all potential problems early, and provide treatment to avoid the occurrence of an emergency.
- Certain precautions also work well for tooth protection. For instance, wearing mouth protection when playing sports prevents teeth from being knocked off, broken, or chipped.
- In addition, one should be careful what they eat to avoid damaging teeth. Hard foods like ice, candies, and popcorn kernels should be avoided because they crack and wear down teeth.
- Brushing teeth two times a day and flossing at least once daily help eliminate food particles and plaque that could lead to tooth decay or gum diseases.
Good healthy teeth and gum minimise the chances of developing conditions that may lead to urgent dental care.
Take Proactive Steps Towards Dental Health With Woden Dental Centre
Swift and informed responses to dental emergencies alleviate immediate discomfort and prevent further complications. Knowing how to handle these situations ensures you are prepared for any unexpected dental issue.
For the best care and guidance, visit our Dental Clinic, Woden Dental Centre in Canberra. We address any dental emergency, ensuring you are completely free of pain and discomfort. Experience compassionate and customised services for all your dental needs- talk to us today!