A dental emergency like a severe toothache, knocked-out tooth or infection can be stressful. Keeping an emergency dentist’s contact information on hand and being prepared can help reduce the stress.
Recognizing whether a situation is an emergency dental care Crestview FL and acting quickly can make all the difference in the outcome. Delaying treatment can lead to complications and permanent damage.
Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth
If you break a tooth or have it knocked out, it’s considered a dental emergency and requires immediate care. Often, the more quickly the tooth can be re-implanted, the greater the chances of it being saved. To increase your chances of saving the tooth, rinse it gently in saliva or milk (don’t touch the root) and if possible, put it back into its socket. If not, tuck it in your cheek or keep it in a container of milk and see your dentist immediately.
Knocked out teeth that are not treated quickly can lead to severe pain, swelling and infection. Also, the bone can resorb the socket and eventually cause other permanent teeth to fall out. Typically, the ER will not handle dental emergencies and will refer you to your dentist. That’s why it’s important to have the number of an emergency dental care Crestview FL nearby. They will be able to help you right away. This can prevent serious complications later on.
Toothache
A toothache can be the symptom of a serious problem. It can be caused by tooth decay, an infection in the mouth or sinuses, or even a jaw injury. A toothache that lasts for more than two days is considered a dental emergency dental care Crestview FL. The most common treatment is pain relief medications.
Depending on the situation, the dentist might need to do other tests to identify the cause of the pain. In some cases, the dentist might need to perform a root canal or tooth extraction.
To prevent the situation from getting worse, it is important to take action immediately. This includes rinsing your mouth with warm water, applying a cold compress to the cheek, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. If you can, try to get to the dentist as quickly as possible. If you’re in too much pain or on medication that affects your ability to drive, make sure to arrange for someone to bring you.
Gum Infections
Even with a consistent brushing and flossing routine and twice-a-year visits to your dentist, gum infections can still arise. This is because bacteria can enter your gum tissue and infect the roots or bones of your teeth. Common signs of infection include swollen, red or dark gums, pain when touched and bleeding during brushing.
If left untreated, gum infections can progress to periodontitis. This is characterized by deep pockets that your toothbrush and floss can’t reach, which then erodes the ligaments, soft tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place. This can lead to loose teeth, bad breath and jawbone loss that can leave you with an inadequate mouth to support dental implants in the future.
Gum infections can be treated by draining the abscesses through a periodontal (gum) drainage procedure. Your dentist will make a small cut in your gum to release pus and will also take dental X-rays to determine how far the infection has spread.
Tooth Damage
There are many things that can cause a dental emergency and it is important to know the difference between what can wait until your next routine visit and what needs immediate attention. Pain, sensitivity, discoloration or other changes can be an indication of a problem and need immediate attention from a dentist.
Accidents like falling or getting hit in the mouth with a hard object can cause a broken or chipped tooth. If left untreated it can lead to infection, sensitivity and further damage to the tooth.
It is best to avoid these emergencies by practicing good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing and keeping up with your dental appointments. In addition, wearing a mouthguard while playing sports or engaging in physical activities can help prevent injuries to the teeth and gums. Finally, it is a good idea to carry an emergency contact number and know your dental insurance coverage and payment options so that financial concerns don’t interfere with the treatment of an urgent issue.
