At times, dental issues require emergency care. Due to lack of awareness, patients end up visiting emergency rooms only to be directed by the physicians to visit a nearby dental office that remains operational beyond standard business hours. Here’re tips for handling some of the most common traumatic and non-traumatic dental emergencies before approaching the dental office for further treatment.
Severe tooth pain
Severe tooth pain is one of the most commonly reported dental emergencies. In most cases, a toothache can indicate an abscessed tooth. The symptoms of this infection can also include swollen gums, pain while chewing, and aching mouth.
Physicians at emergency rooms often provide pain relief medication and refer the patient to their dental office for treatment. It can offer temporary relief. Besides oral anti-inflammatory medication, rinsing with warm salt water can help in controlling inflammation. The trick can work for children as well. But, the only way to permanently treat this infection is by checking the extent of contamination and performing a root canal procedure. Thus, visiting your dentist at the earliest remains crucial.
Cracked or broken tooth
Biting on something hard, falling on the face, fight, or even a sports injury can result in a cracked, broken tooth. The patient should keep the broken piece of the tooth wrapped in a clean piece of cloth. Rinse the mouth with lukewarm water, then keep a piece of cotton (gauze) slightly pressed against the affected tooth. Holding an icepack on the cheek can help in reducing pain, swelling until the patient reaches the dental clinic.
Bleeding gums
A small amount of blood, while brushing or flossing, is often considered ignorable. Even gingivitis without severe bleeding does not require emergency care. However, the patient should not ignore gums that keep on bleeding profusely as it can happen due to several reasons.
In most advanced gum disease cases, it can be a result of hard plaque buildup turned into tartar. The layer irritates the gum, resulting in constant bleeding.
An allergy to medicines or using a hard bristle toothbrush can also cause bleeding.
There is no other option besides visiting your dentist in case if gums keep on bleeding consistently. Periodontists examine the gums and take x-rays of the teeth and gums if required before recommending cleaning, periodontal surgery, or any other procedure.
A tooth that’s knocked out completely
While on the way to the clinic, the patient should check if the tooth is partially or completely knocked out. Rinsing the piece of tooth can help in getting rid of dirt surrounding the same. A cold, wet compress can help in dealing with tooth socket bleeding.
It is advisable to try and place the piece back in the socket. Keeping the same surrounded by moistened gauze can ensure the tooth does not get swallowed. If holding it back in the socket seems painful, the patient can carry it to the clinic in a small milk container.
Approaching emergency dentist Roswell immediately can help in saving the tooth with restorative, re-implant treatment options.
Severe oral infections
Severe oral infections trigger problems like difficulty in swallowing, breathing along with swelling around the jawline. These symptoms need immediate attention as they can indicate Ludwig’s Angina infection. The floor of the mouth is often found to be the main point of the disease. If ignored, the bacteria can reach the heart’s pericardial tissue. Approaching the dentist as soon as possible is the only option for patients.
Lacerations
Biting your tongue while talking, eating, or direct trauma to the mouth due to an accident can result in cuts on tongue, gums, and cheeks. Bleeding can be brought under control by applying pressure on the wound; however, it may need to be stitched. Thus, this type of traumatic injury needs urgent attention. Your dentist would use stitches if required and examine the nearby areas, teeth for damages,
A minor cavity can turn into a more expensive dental emergency
A minor cavity seems harmless, and patients often prefer using over-the-counter toothache gel to handle the mild pain associated with the same. People start taking the small hole seriously when it triggers severe pain during mid-night. Such delays can also result in tooth loss, abscesses, and fractures. Treating, filling big cavities, especially in an emergency, can prove to be much more expensive.
Wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard can help in protecting teeth while playing basketball or other contact sports and help in considerably reduce the risk. Severe oral infections can be avoided by visiting your dental office once every six months.
It is advisable to ensure you have the contact details handy for a nearby clinic that offers emergency dental care, dds Roswell.
Unsure if your dental issue is in the lower or higher tier in the emergency hierarchy? You should fix an appointment at the TruCare Dentistry. The clinic offers treatment to emergency and non-emergency patients.