Life is unexpected most of the time. We never know when those wonderful and unforgettable moments will happen to us. Unfortunately, we also don’t know when emergencies that could put our health at risk are around the corner. When it comes to handling dental emergencies, what’s the best thing to do?
It’s tricky to know when to seek immediate dental care. Many people dismiss major problems thinking it’s something small. Others wait until the problem gets worse and the pain is unbearable. You don’t want to be either of those. If you contact your family dentist before it’s too late, not only do you prevent further damage to your teeth and health, but you also protect your wallet.
How do you know when it’s time to seek urgent dental care, though? We’ll give you some of the answers here. At Emeryville Family Dental, we specialize in taking care of many dental issues, including emergency ones. If you’re looking for an emergency walk-in dental center, you can count on us.
When Do You Need an Emergency Dentist?
You’ll need an emergency dentist on many occasions, so it doesn’t hurt to have a contact written down just in case. Always take your oral health seriously. When you let the problem get worse, that’s when the pain becomes overwhelming.
We have a list of potential scenarios when you should seek emergency dental care. If you identify with any of those, you may want to see your dentist as soon as possible. Otherwise, you’re exposing yourself to unnecessary risks.
You Have a Knocked-out Tooth
Your tooth may get knocked out for different reasons. They include accidents, biting down too hard on something, or sports. The good news is that you have a chance of saving your tooth if you can bring it to an emergency dentist within one hour, so it’s important that you act as fast as possible.
What if your tooth is still attached to your gum? Make sure not to play with it with your tongue. If possible, try to gently put your tooth back into its socket. Never try to force it, as this will cause unbearable pain.
You’re Experiencing a Severe Toothache
You must be able to differentiate “regular” pain that comes from drinking excessively hot or cold beverages, for example, from severe toothache. If you’re experiencing a lot of pain, and it doesn’t go away after some time, that may be because of a tooth fracture, an infection, or another reason.
Keep in mind that, in most cases, this won’t disappear on its own, so make sure to seek help from an emergency dentist as soon as you can.
You Have a Bad Fracture
Tooth fractures are more common than you think, and they can lead to significant pain. You can break a tooth after biting too hard on something, an accident, or any other event that puts too much stress on it. A fractured tooth can also become a problem for other parts of your mouth, so you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
If there’s any bleeding, you should try to apply a piece of gauze to the affected area until it stops.
Your Gums Are Bleeding Too Much
When your gums bleed too easily, that’s bad news. Sometimes, it could be because you’re brushing your teeth too hard, which can be fixed easily. However, other cases may involve periodontal diseases or other related conditions.
If you’ve been noticing that your gums bleed too frequently, consider getting them checked out by an emergency dentist.
You Have a Dental Abscess
Have you noticed swelling or “pimples” between your teeth and gums or around the root of a tooth? That could be a dental abscess. This is a condition that could not only damage your teeth but also its surrounding tissue. When you have an abscess, make sure that you get it checked by a dental professional immediately.
Leaving an abscess untreated increases the risk of the infection spreading and damaging the rest of your mouth. Always seek help as soon as possible to avoid complications.
You Have a Soft Tissue Injury
Your soft tissues include your gums, lips, cheeks, and tongue. Any injuries to those may result in bleeding or infections. Usually, you can control the damage by rinsing your mouth with a mild salt-water solution and applying a piece of gauze. However, if the bleeding doesn’t stop, that may be a sign of a serious problem.
Don’t hesitate to contact an emergency dental professional, as they’ll have all the tools and skills to determine if there’s an injury that needs to be treated right away.
You Have a Lost or Broken Dental Restoration
It’s not uncommon for dental crowns or porcelain veneers to break or get lost over time. This can expose the rest of the teeth and surrounding tissue to damage and infection. There may also be sharp edges in the area that could damage the soft tissues in the mouth.
An emergency dentist can take care of the problem and find a suitable replacement for dental restoration services. If the patient has the missing piece, our professional cosmetic dentists can help provide your with the right tailored solutions for your dental needs.
Bottom Line
It’s scary to experience a dental emergency, but it’s even worse not to have anyone ready to help you. While there are a few over-the-counter pain medications that may provide immediate relief, that’s a temporary solution. In most cases, you’ll need professional dental care to permanently fix the problem and give you an ideal smile that helps you live a pain-free life.
If you’re looking for emergency dental services in Lakeshore Ontario, you can trust our team at Emeryville Family Dental. We have experts who specialize in cosmetic dentistry. Whether you’re calling because of a knocked-down tooth or an abscess, rest assured that we’ll give you the most efficient solution.
Don’t let the problem get worse in any type of dental emergency situations. When you have an emergency dentist in cases of accidents, you’re already preparing for any future events, and that’s the best you can do for your health.
