Dental emergencies can cause a lot of pain and swelling and may even lead to significant issues in the future. But how do you know if you should see an emergency dentist or if you can hold off until your next dental appointment? Understanding the difference between a common dental issue that can wait until morning and an emergency that can threaten your health is essential.
What is considered a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is a situation that requires immediate treatment. A sudden injury can cause dental emergencies to your mouth, teeth, or gums, an infection, or an underlying disease. Basically, if you’re in severe pain or your mouth is bleeding, and you can’t get it to stop, that constitutes an emergency.
Below are some common dental emergencies and what you need to know and do before you can get to the dentist.
Tooth Fracture
A fractured tooth is a dental emergency. A tooth can be broken due to trauma, stress, or simply age. The most common type of fracture is when the tooth cracks along its length. A tooth with a fracture may have visible chipping or discoloration of the enamel, but it won’t be completely broken off.
Tooth fractures are painful and can cause damage to surrounding teeth and gums. You should see your dentist right away if you suspect that you have a fractured tooth.
Oral Infection or Abscessed Tooth
Another dental emergency can be when you have a type of serious oral infection. If you have a toothache or an abscessed tooth, it is vital to seek treatment as soon as possible. An abscessed tooth can be painful and cause swelling in the gums around the tooth. You may also have fever and chills, although these are not always present.
Unexplained Toothache
Unexplained toothache can be a serious dental emergency. If you have tooth pain, it is important to see a dentist immediately.
Toothaches can be caused by several different things, including cavities, gum disease, and infections. You should always seek professional help for an unexplained toothache because it could indicate a serious problem that needs immediate attention.
Swollen Jaw or Mouth
A swollen jaw can be caused by a tooth infection, gum disease, or even a simple bruise. If you have a swollen jaw, it is important that you see a dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to diagnose the cause of your swelling and determine if any treatment is necessary.
Contact your local dentist immediately if you experience pain in your jaw or mouth. You should also seek immediate treatment if your teeth are loose or you have difficulty opening your mouth.
Exposed Nerves
Exposed tooth nerves can be uncomfortable and cause you to experience sharp pain, especially if you bite down on something hard. In most cases, exposed tooth nerves can be restored with a filling or crown. However, in some situations, the tooth may need to be extracted.
If you suspect that you have exposed tooth nerves, talk to your dentist about your symptoms and how they’ve affected your life. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to determine whether the exposed nerve is causing pain. They may also take x-rays of your mouth to determine whether any other damage has occurred. You may also need an oral exam if the exposed nerve is causing problems with eating or speaking due to damage to surrounding tissue or bone.
Knocked Out Tooth
If you’ve been hit in the face and have a knocked-out tooth, don’t panic!
First, try to find the tooth. Look on the ground around you, and search nearby bushes and trees if you can’t find it right away. If that doesn’t work, check your mouth to see if any other teeth feel loose or painful. Don’t try to put the knocked-out tooth back in yourself—only an expert should do that.
If you find the tooth but can’t put it back in, try to keep it safe until you can get medical attention. Put it in a cup of milk if possible; otherwise, wrap it up in something clean like gauze or tissue paper. Don’t touch or move the tooth more than necessary—it can be damaged by dirt or germs from your hands.
What You Should Do
Contact your dentist immediately if you’re experiencing some of the dental emergency situations listed above. If you get their voicemail, they’ll probably provide an emergency number for you to call. Leave a message explaining your situation clearly and in detail. Typically, emergencies get treated as soon as possible, but if your discomfort persists and you need to see someone, immediately go to your nearest emergency room.
Call our dental office in Walled Lake with questions or concerns about your dental health. We will address your dental needs with care putting your safety first. Aside from general dentistry, Dr. Hechtman offers the latest techniques and treatments in cosmetic dentistry and tooth restoration. So whether you are looking to whiten your teeth, repair and restore your smile or just need a routine teeth cleaning and checkup, it all starts with a Free Consultation. Call to schedule an appointment today!