Are you experiencing extreme pain in your teeth? Your condition might be considered a dental emergency. Most people are unaware that untreated dental problems can worsen. Some dental issues are minor, while others are far more serious and need medical help as soon as possible. This is why telling the difference between a dental emergency and a non-emergency is important.
Before seeking emergency treatment, evaluate your situation to see what qualifies as a dental emergency. If you think your situation is a dental emergency, you should go to the dentist as soon as possible. Continue reading this blog post if you want to know what measures need to be taken for your emergency dental issues.
What Are Considered as Dental Emergencies?
There are a variety of situations that count as dental emergencies. Any condition involving excessive bleeding, facial bone injuries, and severe pain can be classified as a emergency. There are common dental emergencies that may occur at any time. These include:
- Toothache
- Fractured teeth
- Lost filling or crown
- Abscess
- Bleeding and pain after tooth extraction
- Broken orthodontics
If you have any of these symptoms, you should go to the nearest dental clinic as soon as possible. If left untreated, this might progress to further problems that will require the dentist’s emergency services.
Why You Should Handle a Dental Emergency as Soon as Possible?
The earlier you get dental care, the less pain and risk of infection you will have in your mouth. Immediate action toward a dental emergency can give the patient advantages regarding their condition.
The following are some of the advantages of receiving treatment immediately:
It Saves Time
One of the most common reasons individuals choose emergency dental treatments is to save time. They can get treatment immediately and with less waiting time.
To Have A Proper Assessment
Dental problems are often more serious than they appear, resulting in tooth discomfort. When this happens, it’s best to seek emergency dental care for an accurate diagnosis that will help you figure out what to do next in your dental treatment plan if anything else needs to be addressed.
To Save Your Teeth
You may be able to avoid losing a tooth by using emergency dental services. Assessing your issue right away can prevent the rapid spread of infection. If you have a dental injury, the dentist will provide you with advice and give you care instructions for them for the best possible outcome.
Relieve the Pain
If you’ve been in an accident and have swelling, the pain would most likely be severe. Over-the-counter pain medication and an ice pack may temporarily relieve your discomfort. However, if left untreated for a long time, it might lead to other health issues.
When Should I Contact an Emergency Dentist?
Knowing the difference between an emergency and a non-emergency dental problem might help you better understand what needs to be addressed without rushing to the dentist.
There are many different types of dental emergencies, and not all require the same level of care. Other severe conditions may require immediate care, while others are less critical.
Urgent Dental Emergencies
Urgent dental care focuses on treating oral diseases that require immediate attention to relieve pain, prevent tooth infection, and decrease the demand on hospital emergency departments. The following dental crises require immediate attention:
- Severe dental pain
- Dental abscess
- Loose teeth
- Knocked-out or fractured teeth
- A broken tooth or a large piece of a tooth is missing
- Fractured tooth
Non-Urgent Dental Emergencies
- Lost filling, crown, or bridge
- Tooth fractures without severe pain
- Food lodged between the teeth
- Minor tooth pain
If your teeth are bothering you or causing problems, you should go to the nearest hospital emergency department or contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Ways to Prevent Suffering from a Dental Emergency
We tend to take our oral health for granted until something goes wrong. If you don’t take care of your teeth, a dental infection may occur and require an emergency visit.
You can prevent dental emergencies by educating yourself. It will be less frightening if you know what symptoms to look for and when to seek emergency treatment. Here is some dental advice to prevent possible dental emergencies:
Practice Dental Hygiene
Brushing and flossing will help you keep your teeth healthy. Bacteria can quickly accumulate in food waste, causing tooth decay or gum disease.
Mouthguards
Mouthguards are an excellent way to protect your teeth during sports, especially if you participate in contact or recreational activities. Mouthguards can protect the player’s mouth from having knocked-out or fractured teeth.
Avoid Unhealthy Diet
Coffee, fruit juice, soda, and alcohol are among beverages that should be avoided or taken in moderation since they might stain the enamel. Sticky foods frequently get trapped and are difficult to remove from between your teeth. Hard, crunchy foods, such as nuts, can also cause enamel damage when bitten with too much power, resulting in an emergency for certain people.
Sealants
Sealants are primarily used as preventative care for children, but they are also effective for adults. A sealant is a clear plastic placed on the chewing surface of our teeth, which is generally the molars. Food debris is often caught in our teeth and can be contaminated with bacteria to form plaque. Sealants are suitable for children who are still learning about dental hygiene and the elderly who struggle with proper flossing and cleaning their teeth.
Dental visits
Visit the dentist twice a year for a dental exam and cleaning. The dentist will look at your mouth to see if you have any signs of gum disease or cavities, and then he or she will give you preventative care to keep these problems from happening.
Vitamins
Vitamins are essential for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. They boost your immune system, protect you from injury, decay, and gum disease, and cut down on periodontal disease.
What to Do in a Case of Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies can take various forms, but some are more serious than others. If you have a dental emergency, such as an accident, you should first contact your dentist for treatment and dental advice on what steps to take next.
If you can’t tolerate the symptoms of your dental issues, you should visit the nearest dental clinic right away to have a proper assessment and treatment from a professional dentist.
However, if you think that you can still tolerate the symptoms, here are some tips that you can do in the meantime:
Toothache
- Remove food particles by rinsing your mouth with warm water.
- Floss gently between your teeth to remove debris.
- Take a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, to help you feel better.
- Apply an ice pack to the inside of your cheek.
If you are experiencing extreme pain, such as the inability to sleep or eat due to your toothache, then seek emergency care.
Dislodged Tooth
If you have a dislodged tooth, you must get professional assistance as soon as possible. If you lose your tooth within an hour of it being knocked out, there’s a higher chance that we can replace the socket and save it.
While you’re waiting to visit the dentist, make sure you do the following:
- Gently rinse it.
- Do not push and try to remove it by yourself.
- If the tooth does not return to its original position, place it in a tiny container with a bit of milk.
- Take the tooth to your emergency dentist.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a pus-filled swelling that can damage your surrounding teeth. If left untreated, it may spread to other parts of the body.
If you notice a pimple-like swelling on your gums, make an appointment as soon as possible. You can get rid of the pain by washing your mouth with a saltwater solution several times a day.
Facial Swelling
If you experience facial swelling, it might indicate dental trauma that needs immediate treatment by an emergency dentist. These diseases only worsen if left untreated, so don’t disregard the situation.
If you have severe facial swelling, you should do the following:
- Maintain your balance. Even if you're asleep, try not to lie fully flat.
- Consult your dentist as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the infection will spread and cause major health problems.
- Drink plenty of water because dehydration can increase your chances of developing complications during an illness.
Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Abscess or Infection
The area around your teeth will likely experience pain, although this is not always the case. When you apply pressure, you may feel a sharp and throbbing pain, especially if the condition spreads to other areas of your mouth.
The following are signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess:
- A severe toothache, chronic conditions, or aching that radiates to the jaws, neck, or ear
- Temperature sensitivity (hot and cold foods)
- Sensitivity to chewing or biting pressure
- Fever
- Facial swelling and swollen lymph nodes behind your jaw or in your neck that are painful
- If the abscess ruptures, you will experience a sudden foul-smelling and unpleasant taste rush.
- Salty fluid in your mouth, as well as pain alleviation.
- Breathing or swallowing problems
Should I Contact My Dentist if My Dental Restoration Falls Off?
Sometimes, a crown will fall out of your mouth when brushing or flossing. If your crown falls off, make an appointment with an emergency dentist right away. On the other hand, if your dentist and dental health services are not available, basic care is suggested to lessen the damage.
Stay Calm
It’s important to maintain calm if you’ve misplaced your dental crown. It might be frightening to lose a dental crown, but keep in mind that the dentist can replace it. You may feel discomfort at first, and the damage isn’t always permanent.
Inspect the Crown
It’s important to know the state of your teeth if you lose your crown. If your restoration has no teeth inside, it’s a good sign that you’ll be able to reconnect it once your dentist examines you quickly. It’s usual to notice a tiny amount of metal inside the crown. The post of the crown is what keeps it fixed to your tooth.
Contact your dentist right away
If you still have your crown, gently wash it away with soap and water. Keep the tooth in a clean, safe place, such as a plastic bag or container of milk. Keep it in a secure place and bring it with you to your dentist’s appointment.
Clean the Crown
If you experience facial swelling, it might indicate dental trauma that needs immediate treatment by an emergency dentist. These diseases only worsen if left untreated, so don’t disregard the situation.
If you have severe facial swelling, you should do the following:
Do You Still Need to Visit an Emergency Dentist Even if A Toothache Subsides?
In some circumstances, the discomfort from a toothache will go away. However, it should never be mistaken as a solved problem. The pain might return in a more severe form. There is a possibility that the bacteria will destroy the roots and cause the tooth to detach.
Pain medicine can help relieve the pain, but the best way to get relief from tooth pain is to seek professional assistance as soon as you feel any discomfort. It is always preferable to consult an emergency dentist if you have dental discomfort. Failure to seek treatment can have serious consequences, including the development of additional oral health issues.
Does a Dental Emergency Cost More than A Routine Procedure?
Fixing a dental injury can be more extensive than the usual routine procedure. This makes dental emergencies cost more than routine dental procedures. While there is no determined price, there are factors that need to be considered for the cost of a dental emergency.
Type of restorative treatment
When a dental emergency occurs, the dentist will need to identify what type of restorative treatment you need based on your condition. The chosen treatment may require additional fees to fix your urgent needs.
Dental insurance
Dental plans may vary from person to person, and the cost of dental procedures is typically covered by dental insurance. If you have a dental emergency, your insurance usually covers it. However, your dental insurance might not cover some procedures like diagnostic care.
Location of the dental office
A sudden dental emergency tends to make you rush over to different clinics. Usually, treatment in cities or towns where the cost of living is higher tends to be more expensive.
Final Thoughts
A dental emergency is a quick treatment to address your sudden dental issues. Experiencing mild toothaches can be natural, but continuous bleeding, excruciating pain, and severe discomfort are considered emergencies. Some dental emergencies don’t require immediate action, so knowing whether your condition can be considered a dental emergency is important.
At Piara Waters Dental, we are open to any emergency appointment to perform the quick treatment you need. Our goal is to provide immediate action and offer medical advice when patients have a dental emergency. With the help of our dentist, we will assess your needs as much as possible.
You can contact us at (08) 6196 4661 for an emergency booking, or you can run to us at 2/20 Riva Entrance, Piara Waters, WA 6112 if you happen to have a dental emergency.