What Counts as a Dental Emergency? Plus What to Do
A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate dental care to save a tooth, stop ongoing tooth damage, or relieve severe pain. Dental emergencies can happen to anyone, at any age, and often occur when you least expect them.
While some dental emergencies are more serious than others, it’s important to seek professional dental care as soon as possible. Delaying treatment for a dental emergency can often make the problem worse and may even lead to permanent tooth loss.
What is Considered as a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies can be very frightening and overwhelming. It is important to know what to do in the event of a dental emergency, to ensure that you receive the best possible care. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about dental emergencies, from how to identify them, to what to do in the event of one.
Dental emergencies can be broadly classified into two categories: those that require immediate attention from a dentist, and those that can be managed at home.
If you have a dental emergency that requires immediate attention, you should call your dentist or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Some examples of dental emergencies that require immediate attention include:
– Severe toothache that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication
– A tooth that has been knocked out
– A tooth that has been broken or chipped
– Bleeding from the mouth that cannot be stopped
If you have a dental emergency that can be managed at home, you should still call your dentist to schedule an appointment. Some examples of dental emergencies that can be managed at home include:
– A tooth that has been chipped or cracked, but is not causing pain
– A loose tooth
– A piece of food that is stuck between your teeth
If you are unsure whether or not your emergency requires immediate attention, you should always err on the side of caution and call your dentist or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
What to Do During a Dental Emergency
If you do have a dental emergency, you should take the following steps:
– Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
– Apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling
– Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed
– If you have a toothache, try rinsing your mouth with warm water and gently flossing around the tooth. If the pain persists, call your dentist.
– If you have a loose tooth, try not to wiggle or touch it too much, as this can damage the root. If the tooth is completely knocked out, rinse it gently with warm water and place it back in the socket. If you are unable to place it back in the socket, put it in a cup of milk and call your dentist as soon as possible.
– If you have a piece of food that is stuck between your teeth, try gently flossing around the tooth. If this does not work, call your dentist.
Conclusion
There are a few different types of dental emergencies that can occur. These include toothaches, cracked or chipped teeth, knocked out teeth, and bleeding gums. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. There are a few things that you can do to help ease the pain until you can get to a dentist, such as rinsing your mouth with warm water or taking over-the-counter pain medication.
Weymouth Dental Arts offers the services of a trusted Weymouth dentist who can provide you with the dental treatment that you need. Schedule your appointment today!