Most people visit the dentist for check-ups whenever they experience any form of dental pain. However, some ignore the pain, and as a result, their health gets endangered. This eventually results in a dental emergency.
Dental pain can make you miss work, leading to low productivity.
In basic terms, dental emergency refers to a medical emergency associated with the teeth and gums. Whenever a person experiences dental pain, it involves other parts of the mouth as well. If left untreated, complications may occur.
Dental emergencies are often handled by a dentist at an emergency dental clinic. They may occur anytime, depending on an individual’s dental history. The dentist helps patients understand precisely what kind of emergency it is and recommends the right form of treatment.
Several instances of dental complications qualify as emergencies. Let us look at some of the most common emergencies that may arise at any time.
Excruciating Dental Pain
An unexpected toothache that is accompanied by severe pain is considered as an emergency. In most cases, such pain does not allow the person to rest, especially at night, due to the discomfort it causes.
The condition is even worse when it happens to children because they are not as tolerant to the pain as adults. For both children and adults, the problem can be worse if it causes other health problems.
Oral Cavity Trauma
Trauma may occur to the teeth or oral cavity due to an accident or sports injury. Such injuries may damage nerves and tissues, and if they are not corrected through dental surgery, the condition may become permanent.
The surgeon identifies the injury’s extent and recommends an immediate or ongoing treatment to prevent further damage.
Broken jaws and teeth
In the case of a broken jaw, your first stop should be at the hospital. A dentist will be involved in the treatment process to ascertain that your teeth have not been damaged. Broken teeth and jaws are considered emergencies for people of all ages, and must be treated immediately.
Denture issues
Several people wear dentures every day. Issues with dentures such as fractures require urgent attention from the dentist. Such problems need to be corrected immediately so that the patient does not move around without their artificial teeth. This ensures that other issues do not crop up as a result of wearing broken or damaged dentures.
What to do during Dental Emergencies
Dental pain is one of the indicators of damaged gums and teeth. The pain can be moderate or extreme. In case the pain is unbearable, it is advisable to see a dentist as soon as possible. Delaying any dental treatment can lead to tissue and gum damage.
Accidents that cause dental problems are somewhat unavoidable. The best thing to do immediately this happens is to visit the emergency dental unit. If the dentist is not available immediately, do the following:
- Take some painkillers. These will ease the pain instantly, but should not be used as an alternative to other cures. If bleeding occurs, avoid painkillers such as aspirin, which may cause bleeding complications. Rinsing your mouth with warm water is also recommended to eliminate food particles and dirt from the damaged tooth.
- Apply a cold compress to minimize pain and swelling in the case of fractured teeth. There is no other remedy for broken teeth than going to the dentist.
- Use a towel or any other cloth to block the sink to prevent knocked out teeth from getting down the drain. Rinse the tooth in warm water and take it with you as you go to the dental clinic.
- For foreign bodies that are lodged within your mouth, try using dental floss to remove them. You will need to take more caution so that you do not damage the gums as you floss. If the foreign body fails to come out after using dental floss, immediately consult a dentist for emergency care.
When you visit the hospital with a dental emergency, the dentist will ask you a few questions to establish your dental history. Be sure to give the most accurate information and be clear about your problem. Explain in detail the cause of your pain to help the dentist choose the right treatment option.
The Dentist Knows what to Do
The dentist will know what to do to ease the pain before commencing treatment. Several people visit the dental clinic without knowing that their condition is an emergency. Always visit an emergency dental clinic to explain your problem in case you are not sure of what to do.