As soon as you sense a sensation in your mouth, you become anxious. The discomfort worsens until it’s severe. Naturally, you want to figure out what’s causing it.
Emergency dentistry comprises a variety of factors. As a result, emergency dentistry requires a visit to the dental practice since the dentist will be able to detect the underlying reason and give you the right treatment as soon as possible.
If you ignore it, your tooth health may deteriorate over time. So, what is a dental emergency, and what are the common types of emergencies?
What Do We Mean By A Dental Emergency?
Emergency dentistry is considered a form of severe dental pain that requires an emergency dental appointment so the dentist can deliver the necessary care or treatments to help relieve your pain. The root cause of a dental emergency can vary.
A dental emergency is different compared to a medical emergency. Still, where the problem is causing a lot of pain, it’s something that shouldn’t be ignored as it can cause further external complications such as gum disease and bone absorption, two conditions that can impact your teeth.
Types Of Dental Emergency
So, what is classed as emergency dentistry? Let’s look.
Knocked-Out Tooth
The tooth can be displaced quite quickly if it has been in intense physical contact that has caused tooth trauma. This means that the root of the tooth has come out of its socket and has caused intense bleeding.
The dentist would typically reimplant the tooth if the tooth could be saved. Before this, you’d need to rinse the tooth with water or milk and return it to its socket as soon as possible. It can also be kept moist in a container. If the tooth cannot be repaired, the dentist may suggest dental implant surgery.
Cracked Tooth
The most prevalent type of emergency dentistry is a tooth fracture or shattering due to trauma or physical harm. A cracked tooth can also occur if you suffer from external conditions such as teeth grinding (known as Bruxism). If you have bruxism, a crack might emerge. A cracked tooth can travel to the root and cause extreme pain. It’s difficult for the dentist to save what’s left of the tooth when this happens, and extraction is usually always required. If there is a clean crack where the tooth is split into two, the dentist may consider a root canal if the nerves are exposed.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are performed to fill a hole caused by a dental cavity. They’re not expected to be permanent, but there are times when the filling can dislodge, leading to tooth sensitivity and exposure to the tooth root. The tooth becomes sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and meals. If there is an infection, it must be treated before it spreads across the cavity.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a collection of pus that forms inside the tooth root but also the gums and bones that hold the teeth in place. Whilst they’re painful, the pain is likely to throb back and forth. Typically, a dental abscess is a sign of advanced tooth decay. The dentist would require removing the source of infection and draining the pus away before either performing a root canal or extraction.
Loose Dental Crown
Loose dental crowns occur when the crown protects the natural tooth and becomes decayed. This means that a cavity has formed beneath the crown. Also, a tooth’s structure can change, which loosens the crown. It is recommended that you store the crown in a moist container before bringing it to the dentist.
How Can I Avoid A Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies are difficult to deal with since they can happen anytime. Of course, some dental emergencies are unavoidable, such as a physical accident or collision. Although, you can take preventative measures to reduce the chances of experiencing it.
Here are some tips to ensure that your oral health is at its best:
- Brush and floss your teeth twice a day to keep your mouth clean during the day and at night
- Visit the dentist for a dental cleaning regularly for a check-up and clean
- Wear a mouthguard when participating in physical contact sports
- Avoid sugary treats and replace them with calcium-rich foods that keep your enamel strong
- Drink more water and drop alcohol and smoking
Making certain lifestyle changes can help you pay conscious attention to your dental health. If you need further support with your dental health or you have a dental emergency, speak to your dentist as soon as possible.
Consult your dentist for your cleaning teeth appointment now!
