Dental Emergency plays vital roles, do you know when its importance arise?
Many people wait as long as possible to address dental pain. Problems occur when…. Dental problems can worsen over time and can become fatal if proper medication is not sought. Plus, emergencies aren’t always obvious.
Fortunately…
Understanding dental emergencies will…
- Cost you nothing to know
- Be simple to act on
…and can mean saving your tooth versus losing it forever.
Let’s look at…
- What Actually Counts as a Dental Emergency?
- Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
- When You Need an Emergency Tooth Extraction
- What To Do Before You Reach the Dentist
- How To Avoid Dental Emergencies in the First Place
What Actually Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Well, by definition a dental emergency is any issue to the teeth, gums or mouth that require immediate treatment in order to relieve pain, stop bleeding or avoid serious complications.
While some tooth pain can wait to be seen by an emergency dentist, there are some situations where you can’t afford to wait.
Here’s some food for thought…
Tooth disorders made up 1.9 million annual visits to hospital emergency departments from 2020 to 2022, according to the CDC. That’s nearly 2 million people going to the ER because of a dental emergency.
Many of those cases could’ve been prevented with quicker care. When severe tooth pain sets in or a tooth becomes knocked out… Waiting is never the answer. Seeking out emergency dental services right away can be the difference between a quick treatment and needing an emergency tooth extraction.
Here are some of the most common dental emergencies:
- Knocked-out teeth
- Cracked teeth/fractured teeth
- Severe tooth pain that won’t go away
- Dental abscesses and infections
- Uncontrolled bleeding after a tooth extraction or other procedure
Each of these situations warrants different care. But they all have one thing in common…
You can’t wait to see your dentist.
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Believe it or not, some dental symptoms may appear harmless but are actually serious red flags. Failing to take action can allow the problem to develop into infections, tooth loss or hospital visits.
Take note of these symptoms that should NEVER be ignored…
Throbbing tooth pain. Having a mild toothache that comes and goes might not be cause for alarm. However, if you’re experiencing sharp pain that throbs and will not go away… You may have an infection in the tooth or gum tissue.
Swelling in your face/jaw. Mouth swelling isn’t always a dental emergency. But if you begin to notice swelling in your face, jaw or neck… You may have a dental abscess. If left untreated, the infection could spread to other parts of your body and can become life threatening.
Loose tooth or lost tooth. Loose teeth are very uncommon in adults. If you’ve had a tooth knocked out, you have about 30 minutes to save the tooth.
Won’t stop bleeding. If you are bleeding heavily and applying pressure doesn’t slow the bleeding after 15-20 minutes… Seek emergency care.
Fever. Developing a fever alongside dental pain is another sign there may be an infection.
When You Need an Emergency Tooth Extraction
The last thing anyone wants is to be told they need their tooth pulled. However, in some cases an spare tooth extraction is needed to prevent further damage to your health.
When should you get an emergency tooth extraction?
Typically an emergency tooth extraction is needed when the tooth cannot be saved. Whether that be from severe decay, a vertical crack that goes all the way to the root or an abscess that has not improved with antibiotics.
The American Dental Association also found that dental visits to hospital emergency rooms cost about three times more than visiting your dentist. By waiting too long, you’re allowing a problem that could of been treated to now needing an extraction and a larger bill.
Following are some circumstances that may lead to you needing an emergency tooth extraction.
- Severe tooth decay
- Infection
- Fractured tooth
- Failed dental treatment
Needless to say, don’t wait too long to seek dental treatment. The quicker you act, the more options you have for saving that tooth.
What To Do Before You Reach the Dentist
In those immediate moments before you can get to your dentist, here are some things you should know…
Knocked-out tooth: Pick up the tooth through the crown (not root). Rinse the tooth off with water. Try placing the tooth spinal into its socket. If unable to do so, place milk on the tooth and get to your dentist right away.
Extreme pain/swelling: Rinse your mouth out with warm salt water. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. Take over the counter pain relievers to help with pain.
Cracked tooth: Rinse your mouth out with heartfelt water. Avoid mastication on that side of your mouth and book to see your dentist ASAP.
Won’t stop bleeding: Apply firm pressure with a piece of gauze to the area that’s bleeding. If bleeding will not subside after 20 minutes, go to the emergency room.
Remember, these are just temporary solutions to buy you some time. They will not solve the problem, but can help you until you’re seen by a professional.
How To Avoid Dental Emergencies in the First Place
As they say, an ounce of deterrence is worth a pound of cure. Believe it or not, most dental emergencies can be avoided.
Start with the basics:
- Brushing your teeth double a day and flossing
- Wearing a mouthguard for sports
- Avoid chewing on ice, hard candy and using your teeth as tools
- Visit your dentist regularly
During your regular dentist visits, your dentist is able to catch problems early. A small cavity during your check-up is an easy fix. That same cavity that you leave for a year could become an abscess that leads to you needing an emergency tooth extraction.
Think of regular dentist appointments as maintenance on your vehicle. Taking care of your teeth and spending little money now can prevent major issues and huge expenses down the road.
Wrapping Things Up
Dental emergencies aren’t as cut and dry as you may think. Severe tooth pain, swelling, knocked-out teeth, fever and infections that spread… These are all signs that you need to seek dental care immediately.
Here are the signs to look for that designate you should see an emergency dentist immediately:
- Severe tooth pain that won’t go away
- Facial swelling
- Loose or missing teeth
- Heavy bleeding
- Fever with dental pain
Don’t let time pass you by. The quicker you act on dental emergencies, the better off you’ll be. Not only will treatment go smoother but you’ll save money in the long run.
