Everybody will experience a dental emergency at some point in their lives, but some people may be more reluctant to seek treatment than others.
In fact, more than a third of all United States citizens have a fear of dental treatment. What you might not realize is that something as simple as a tooth-colored composite resin could provide relief from the excruciating pain.
This is one of the many reasons why it is a better idea to seek immediate treatment than it is to wait hopelessly for the dental issue to resolve itself.
To make things easier for you, we’ve written a guide that provides you with actionable steps to manage your discomfort and minimize further complications until you can get to your dentist. We will also offer tips on how to find the right dentist. Keep reading to find out more.
What Is Considered Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry is a specialized branch of dental care that focuses on handling urgent dental issues. Unlike other kinds of dental situations, emergency dentistry focuses on serving those who require immediate attention. It can address a wide range of situations. This includes issues such as tooth decay that causes severe pain to instances where a tooth is broken or chipped teeth. Everybody loves having a healthy smile. It will brighten your day, boost your confidence, and even improves your overall well-being. But dental emergencies can suddenly put your dental health in jeopardy.
Let’s say you’re playing basketball with your friends, and out of nowhere, an accidental elbow to your mouth results in a broken tooth. In such cases, emergency dentistry can help to solve your problem. Dentists who specialize in this area are skilled at quickly assessing the situation. They provide treatments that not only ease your pain but also prevent further damage. Similarly, if you’re experiencing pain due to tooth decay, which often results from a gradual wearing down of the tooth enamel, an emergency dentist can offer immediate relief. A great emergency dentist will also suggest steps to halt the progression of decay.
If you’re not sure what to do while you’re waiting to see a dentist, there are a few things to keep in mind. One useful tip is to apply a cold compress to the affected area. This will cut down on swelling and numb the pain. These types of home remedies can offer temporary relief. But they are not substitutes for professional dental care.
You will need to visit an emergency dentist to properly manage these dental issues.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Since there are various reasons why people experience dental emergencies, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The most important thing to do is to immediately reach out to a skilled dentist.
A Chipped or Cracked Tooth
It’s important not to panic if you chip or crack a tooth. First, rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area. If there is any swelling, apply a cold compress to your face. You should then find a local dentist who can provide emergency dental care. It is possible they will suggest dental veneers or a dental crown, depending on the severity of your situation. Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that can be bonded to the front surface of your tooth. This is a great option for masking the damage and restoring your smile.
Tooth Pain
There are various reasons why you might experience tooth pain. It is possible that you have a cavity or a tooth infection. Rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food that might be causing the pain. As soon as you can, get in touch with your dentist. They will help you find the source of the pain and to get the right treatment.
A Knocked-Out Tooth
If your tooth gets knocked out, you’ll need to act quickly. First, pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. The root contains blood vessels and tissues that are important for the tooth reattachment process. Rinse it gently without scrubbing and try to place it back into the socket if possible. If that’s not an option, put the tooth in a small container with milk or saliva. Contact your dentist right away. The quicker you act, the higher the chances of saving the tooth.
A Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a serious infection that can occur in the mouth, face, jaw, or throat. It can cause severe pain and should be addressed promptly to maintain your oral health. Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) multiple times a day. Get in touch with your dentist immediately as antibiotics or draining the abscess might be necessary.
How Can I Manage Symptoms Until My Dentist Is Available?
When you have a chipped or broken tooth, you will need to manage your symptoms until a dentist is available or until you can reach the dentist office. If there are any jagged edges, make sure to cover them with a piece of wax paraffin or sugar-free chewing gum. This will protect your tongue and cheeks from cuts. Next, if the tooth is causing pain, an over-the-counter pain reliever can help. But be careful not to let the medicine touch the gums near the affected tooth. Rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution can also soothe the pain and keep the area clean. If you need to wait several hours before seeing an emergency dentist, make sure to eat soft foods and avoid chewing with the damaged tooth. This will prevent you from causing further damage to the remaining tooth structure. If possible, keep the chipped or broken piece of the tooth. Your dentist might be able to reattach it. Lastly, remember that these are temporary measures. A dentist can properly diagnose the severity of the problem and determine the best possible treatment. This might include a dental crown or another restorative procedure.
Can I Go To an Emergency Room for a Dental Emergency?
You can go to an emergency room for a dental emergency. But it’s not always the option. ER staff are not equipped to handle specific dental procedures. You should instead reach out to your dentist or to a local emergency dental clinic. They specialize in oral health and have the necessary tools and expertise to deal with dental emergencies most effectively. If this is not an option, you can also visit an emergency room.
How Can I Avoid Common Dental Emergencies?
Avoiding common dental emergencies starts with proactivity. Firstly, brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. This will lower the risk of cavities and gum disease. It is the most effective thing you can do to get rid of plaque and food particles. Secondly, wear a mouthguard when participating in extreme sports such as wrestling, boxing, and mountain biking. Thirdly, don’t use your teeth as tools for cutting, tearing, or opening items. This is a bad habit that can damage your teeth. If this happens, you will need to visit your dentist to get a dental crown. Lastly, regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist are vital. They can identify early signs of problems and address them before they become emergencies. A skilled dentist will provide you with preventive treatments that will save you pain and expense in the long run.
What Are Examples of Common Dental Emergencies?
One of the most common dental emergencies is a knocked-out tooth. This might be caused by a sports injury or a household accident. This kind of emergency needs immediate professional intervention. Another common emergency is a severe toothache. This is often a sign of infection or decay. People also frequently chip their teeth. This might expose the inner tooth layers to bacteria. Those who do not visit a dentist will put themselves at risk of developing an infection. Lastly, dental abscesses can cause extreme pain. These pus-filled infections can spread if a dentist does not promptly treat them. If you have a severe dental abscess, it is possible that your dentist will recommend a tooth extraction.
Tooth-Colored Composite Resin and Other Dental Emergency Solutions
It is normal to feel stressed and worried if you have a dental emergency. But it is important to understand that there are ways to treat your intense pain. The first thing you should do is contact an emergency dentist. They will offer advice and will make themselves available to solve your problem. In fact, the solution might be something as painless as applying a tooth-colored composite resin to your affected tooth or teeth. Are you looking for an emergency dentist? If so, Anice Smile Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can help you. We will work with you to determine the best way to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Don’t hesitate to contact us to get started today!