We all know that feeling of utter panic when we think we may have chipped a tooth, or when we wake up in the middle of the night with a throbbing toothache.
Does that constitute a dental emergency? More importantly, what should we do about it?
This blog post will explore what constitutes a dental emergency and how best to deal with it.
From chipped teeth to lost fillings and more, read on to learn more about what to do in case of a dental emergency.
What Is A Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is an oral issue that needs prompt attention and treatment. A toothache isn’t a dental emergency, but if you have any of these symptoms you should call your dentist right away:
- Pain or pressure in the area affected by the tooth.
- Swelling or redness around the affected area.
- Numbness or tingling in your mouth (paresthesia).
How Should I Respond To A Dental Emergency?
It is essential to try to contact your dentist as soon as possible. If you can’t get in touch with the dentist, call a dentist that accepts dental emergency patients or go to the nearest emergency room.
To find a dentist that accepts dental emergencies, check dentists’ websites in your area. An emergency dentist usually has a dental emergency as one of the main categories on the website. Check here for an example!
You may be referred there by your primary care physician or another medical professional if they are available and knowledgeable about dental emergencies.
If you go to the emergency room, they will likely give you a referral for an oral surgeon who can provide treatment for any injuries or infections that have occurred during this process.
In some cases (such as when there has been significant trauma), it may be necessary for them even though no permanent damage has occurred.
However, these patients should still receive follow-up care from their local community provider afterward so that any remaining issues can be addressed properly.
What Are The Causes Of Dental Emergencies?
There are multiple causes of dental emergencies. Some potential problems include:
Accidents and injuries:
This is the most common cause of dental emergencies. Falls, car accidents, and sports injuries are just some of the ways that teeth can be damaged and teeth can be lost.
Gum disease:
Gum disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and damage.
Tooth decay:
Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of dental emergencies. When tooth decay is left untreated, it can cause serious damage to the teeth and gums.
Dental emergencies are common, but they’re also easily treated. If you can get to your dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible, then your symptoms will most likely be relieved when you arrive.
Do Toothaches Frequently Result In Dental Emergencies?
Toothaches, however, are the most common emergency that can happen to your teeth. It’s what you feel when your tooth hurts or has a cavity in it, but it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything wrong with you.
A toothache can be caused by either an infection or decay, but if you have a fever and swollen glands around your mouth, this could be an indication of a more serious problem like an abscessed tooth or periodontitis (gum disease).
If this is happening regularly and doesn’t seem to go away despite treatment from your dentist, call them immediately!
They’ll likely need to take out some fillings so they can see what’s going on inside those painful sockets—and maybe even extract some teeth for good measure!
How Can I Tell If What I’m Going Through Is A Dental Emergency?
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible. However, how can you tell if what you’re experiencing is a dental emergency?
There are a few key indicators that you may be experiencing a dental emergency. Such as:
- Severe pain in your teeth or gums
- Bleeding from your teeth or gums
- A broken tooth
- An object caught in your teeth
- Swelling in your mouth or face
If you are unsure if you’re experiencing a dental emergency, the best thing to do is to call a dentist or oral surgeon and ask for their advice. They will be able to help you determine whether or not you need to be seen right away.
Final words
In summary, a dental emergency is any oral issue that requires immediate attention.
If you ever think that your mouth is hurting or if it seems like something is wrong with your teeth, then call your dentist immediately and take them to the nearest emergency room or urgent care facility.
Jean Smith is a fitness enthusiast and blogger who focuses on fitness and a healthy lifestyle. She is passionate about assisting people in living healthier lifestyles and is constantly on the lookout for new and creative methods to stay fit and healthy. Her articles are excellent resources for anyone interested in improving their health and fitness.