When it comes to taking care of our oral health, many people think they need only worry about basic preventative measures like brushing their teeth and flossing regularly. While these activities are important for promoting good oral hygiene, unexpected dental emergencies that require immediate attention can sometimes arise. Whether the issue is a chipped tooth, severely cracked enamel or something more serious such as an abscessed tooth, addressing your emergency with the help of an experienced dentist is key in preventing further discomfort – and possible long-term damage – from occurring. This blog post will explore some of the most common forms of dental emergencies and offer tips on what you should do if you experience one yourself.
Toothache
Toothache is a dental emergency that often requires an urgent visit to the dentist. While it may be caused by various underlying factors, from infection to trauma, teeth grinding and food remnants caught between the teeth and gums, it typically presents as a sharp pain in the mouth and a decreased reaction to hot and cold foods or drinks. Without professional diagnosis and treatment, unnecessary harm can be caused to the tooth or surrounding area. Furthermore, putting off treating a toothache increases the chance of developing more serious conditions, such as facial swelling or cysts. It’s important to seek help from a qualified professional dentist when experiencing symptoms indicative of potential toothache.
Chipped or broken teeth
Broken or chipped teeth can cause discomfort and affect one’s self-image. When a tooth chips off, gathering pieces and taking them to the dentist to help repair it is important. Even if no pieces have been sent off, seeing a dentist is also important. They may be able to restructure the broken tooth or use cosmetic bonding materials to restore its appearance.
Knocked-out tooth
One of the most common dental emergencies is a knocked-out tooth. This occurs when the tooth has been knocked completely out of its socket by trauma or an accident, often resulting in bleeding or pain. In this situation, time is of the essence, as any delay can risk further damage to the tooth and even lessen your chances of successful re-implantation. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to retain the tooth as best you can as soon as possible and contact your dentist for emergency treatment. Make sure to rinse the tooth in clean water to remove dirt but not scrub it, then place it back in its socket if possible or keep it wet in saliva between your cheek and gum before reaching a dentist. In some cases, splinting involving sutures may be necessary, along with antibiotics or periodontal therapies.
Broken orthodontics
Broken orthodontics can cause significant dental complications and discomfort, making it one of the most common dental emergencies. If not treated promptly, such broken appliances can cause cuts on the soft tissue of your mouth, rub the gums with metal wires, and damage the teeth. Painful ulcers may form around any exposed metal attachments, especially brackets or other pieces of hardware. Similarly, a loose dental implant can cause severe discomfort and complications, such as infection and damage to surrounding bone and tissue. Crooked or loose teeth could become trapped underneath braces, resulting in additional pain.
Additionally, an improperly adjusted appliance can impede normal eating and speaking behaviors. Treatment usually involves having the damaged appliance removed or modified by an orthodontist to re-position or replace misplaced parts as soon as possible. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is present as part of a broken orthodontic emergency.
Treating Dental Emergencies at Dentists at Pymble
Dental emergencies can be unpredictable and often happen when we least expect them. It is important to be prepared if one happens to you or a loved one. The most common dental emergencies are chipped teeth, lost fillings, and toothaches. If you find yourself in any of these situations, seeing a dentist is best.
If you have any further questions related to dental emergency , reach out to Pymble Dentists.