Dental emergencies can strike at any time and cause immense pain and discomfort if not treated promptly. This article discusses some common types of dental emergencies and how to deal with them. It aims to spread awareness about dental emergencies so readers recognize the signs and know when and where to seek help. Early recognition and treatment of dental issues are key to preventing minor problems from worsening. Let’s learn about different kinds of emergencies that can affect our oral health.
Types of Dental Emergencies
Toothaches and dental abscesses
Toothaches are one of the most common dental emergencies. They can be caused due to cavities, cracked teeth, or issues with the nerve or pulp inside the tooth. Left untreated, a toothache can develop into a serious dental abscess. A dental abscess occurs when a tooth infection spreads to surrounding tissues.
Symptoms include severe throbbing pain that is worse with chewing and doesn’t subside with over-the-counter pain medication. The area around the affected tooth may appear red and swollen as well. Seeing an emergency dentist promptly is necessary to drain the abscess and prevent systemic infection. Prescribed antibiotics and pain medications help provide relief and stop the infection from spreading.
Knocked out or broken tooth
Accidents happen and it’s not uncommon for teeth to get knocked out or broken as a result of falls, collisions while playing sports, or physical trauma to the face. Broken teeth can have jagged, sharp edges that need filing down to prevent cuts in the mouth. Knocked-out permanent teeth need to be replanted by a dentist within 30 minutes to avoid damage to surrounding tissues and support the tooth’s chances of survival.
In such cases, handle the tooth gently by its crown and rinse it in milk before seeing an emergency dentist. The dentist will assess if replantation is possible or if another treatment like a crown is required.
Jaw joint (TMJ) issues
Problems involving the jaw joint like dislocations or strains can develop due to teeth grinding, biting injuries, arthritis or other underlying causes. They tend to worsen with chewing and yawning. Signs include pain around the ear, limited or painful jaw movements and clicking or popping noises while chewing or opening the mouth. Hot or cold compress, over-the-counter pain relievers and soft diet may temporarily relieve mild TMJ issues but persistent or severe problems require a dental examination and possible referral to a TMJ specialist.
Oral injuries
Lacerations or cuts inside the mouth, chipped teeth, and bites to the lips or tongue are common oral injuries. Deep cuts inside the mouth especially on the tongue or inner cheeks may require stitches to prevent bleeding and enable proper healing. Rinsing the injured area with an antibacterial mouthwash can help prevent infection until you get examined by an emergency dentist. Mouth guards help prevent injury to teeth and lips during sports like boxing and are recommended for those at risk of or with a history of such trauma. Prompt dental examination ensures all fractures are addressed.
Swollen face or lips
Rapidly swelling, stiff face or lips could indicate a dental-related infection that has spread. Seek emergency dental help without delay as the infection may compromise breathing if swelling affects the airway. Underlying causes like bee stings, allergic reactions or infections may also require medical assistance. Swelling often accompanies other issues like abscesses and requires antibiotic therapy. Early intervention prevents potential danger to life from airway obstruction.
When to seek Emergency Dental Care
Now that we’ve discussed the different kinds of dental emergencies, it’s important to know when to see an Emergency Dentist in Calgary promptly. Dental pain that doesn’t go away or gets worse with the usage of over-the-counter medications needs evaluation. Signs such as localized swelling, bleeding gums and lip or facial swelling also warrant emergency review. Lacerations inside the mouth, injuries or knocked-out teeth require immediate attention.
Numbness of the lip, face or tongue may signal a condition like nerve damage that deserves timely examination and necessary treatment by an emergency dentist. Failure to address severe dental problems can result in complications and extensive dental work in the future.
How to Prevent a Dental Emergency
- Practice proper oral hygiene: Brush teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss once daily to remove food residues from between teeth and under the gumline that a brush can’t reach. This helps keep plaque and tartar from accumulating and causing cavities and gum disease.
- Eat a balanced diet: Limit intake of sticky, sugary snacks and drinks which are a main cause of tooth decay. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables which are good for oral and overall health. Calcium and vitamin D from dairy products benefit tooth enamel and jawbone strength.
- Visit the dentist regularly: Getting a professional dental cleaning and examination twice yearly helps the Emergency dentist in Calgary to detect early signs of issues like cavities, gum disease, or worn tooth enamel. Finding problems early allows for simple repairs versus extensive treatment if caught at a later stage. Certain people at higher risk may need to visit more frequently.
- Use a mouthguard during contact sports: A custom-fitted mouthguard serves as a buffer between the mouth and objects that may cause injury during ball games, boxing, martial arts etc. This protects teeth from fractures or being knocked out due to accidental blows or falls. Professionally-made guards are more durable and comfortable.
- Limit alcohol, tobacco and acidic foods: These habits increase the risk of erosion or decay over time. If consumed, do so in moderation and brush your teeth afterward. Choose a nutritious diet with alkaline or neutral foods to counter any effects on enamel. Staying hydrated also helps clear acids from the mouth.
Conclusion
Dental problems ranging from pain, swelling, injuries and cracked or missing teeth need prompt professional assessment and intervention for best outcomes. Only a dental examination can identify the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Recognizing dental emergency warning signs empowers one to seek timely help. An efficient Emergency dental clinic in Calgary is well-equipped to handle a variety of dental issues. It’s wise to bookmark their contact information for use when regular dentists are closed.
Are you experiencing a dental emergency like pain, swelling or injuries? Visit Tooth Crew Family Dental, your trusted Emergency dental clinic in Calgary. Our friendly team is ready to provide all urgent dental care you need – day or night. Book an appointment now for immediate evaluation and relief.