What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any dental problem that needs immediate treatment. Not all dental issues are emergencies. Understanding the difference between a standard dental issue that can wait until morning and a real crisis that can threaten your health is essential. But if you have bleeding that won’t stop after a few minutes, a tooth that has been knocked out of its usual position, a broken tooth, or severe pain, you should contact your dentist for an emergency appointment. This also applies to severe infections that can be life-threatening.
What Are the Most Common Dental Emergencies?
The most common dental emergencies are knocked-out teeth, soft tissue damage (lips, cheeks, or gums), abscesses, broken or chipped teeth, and objects stuck between teeth. If you experience direct trauma to your mouth, teeth, or gums, or are experiencing severe pain, or things get stuck between your teeth, it is always best to consult your dentist for immediate treatment.
Why Does a Dental Emergency Need Urgent Attention?
Dental emergencies can cause pain, discomfort, and even more significant issues.
An infection in the mouth can lead to a tooth abscess. If left untreated, it can cause further complications requiring immediate emergency treatment.
What to Do in Case of Dental Emergency?
Nobody wants to experience a dental emergency, but it's essential to be prepared for one should the need arise. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, the first thing to do is take a deep breath and keep calm. Then, call us to find out if you need urgent care! If you're unsure if what you're experiencing qualifies as a dental emergency, it's better to be safe than sorry, so get in touch with us immediately so you can get the care you need when you need it. If a dental emergency arises, we make every effort to care for the problem as soon as possible.
Can a Tooth Be Saved If Knocked Out?
A knocked-out adult tooth can usually be saved, but teeth die within 15 minutes of being knocked out when not cared for properly. Gently pick up the tooth from the crown, not the roots, and rinse with warm water if it is dirty. If possible, try to put the tooth back in the socket without touching its core. If the tooth doesn't stay in the socket, place the tooth between one of the cheeks and the gums. Alternatively, you can store the tooth in a milk container to keep it moist. Take your knocked-out tooth to the dentist within the first hour of dental trauma.
Is It Possible to Prevent Dental Emergencies?
Dental emergencies can happen at any time and any place. They can be scary and overwhelming. Though they are not entirely avoidable, several steps can be taken to minimize them. Here are some:
• Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
• Avoid chewing on hard items like ice, fingernails, and pens
• Avoid using your teeth as tools
• Treat dental issues as soon as possible
• Maintain a healthy diet that limits sugar
• Wear a mouthguard while playing contact sports
Do you have a dental emergency? We know how hard it is to continue with daily tasks when dealing with a bothersome toothache and how you want the pain to stop! We at Advanced Dental Center are ready to help relieve your pain and treat your problems to get you back to normal quickly and efficiently. Our team maintains a standard of excellence in every aspect of our dental practice.
For more information about dental emergencies and oral health, please call Advanced Dental Center at (203) 945-0068 or contact us online. Schedule your consultation with the best dentists in Norwalk, CT!