Dental Bridge or Dental Implant

WHAT IS CONSIDERED A DENTAL EMERGENCY?

There are a few situations that would be considered a dental emergency. When trying to figure out if an issue you are facing is a dental emergency, ask yourself the following questions.

Have I Lost A Tooth?

If you have lost a tooth, that would certainly constitute a dental emergency. If you act quickly enough, the tooth could potentially be saved and put back in your mouth.

Am I Experiencing Severe Pain?

Pain is always a clear indicator that there is something wrong. If you are experiencing severe pain in your mouth, then set up an emergency appointment as soon as possible.

Do I Have an Infection?

If you notice swelling or knots in the gums, or a swollen face, and are experiencing a fever, then you may have an infection in your mouth. A serious infection or abscess in your mouth is a potentially life-threatening condition and needs to be treated as soon as possible.

Do I Have Loose Teeth?

If any of your adult teeth are loose, that is a clear sign of a serious dental problem that could lead to the tooth being lost. Have a dentist check it out right away.

Is My Mouth Bleeding?

A healthy mouth should not bleed at all. If you notice blood coming from anywhere in your mouth and you can’t explain why it is there, then it’s a sign that you need emergency care.

WHAT SITUATIONS AREN’T A DENTAL EMERGENCY?

There are a few situations that may seem like an emergency that needs to be dealt with immediately. These specific situations can in fact wait a few days to be dealt with provided you take care of your mouth in the meantime. These situations include:

• A broken tooth that doesn’t cause severe pain or have sharp fragments that are damaging other parts of your mouth.
• A toothache without signs of an abscess that aren’t severely painful.
• Losing a filling or a dental crown.

WHAT TO DO DURING A DENTAL EMERGENCY

You’ve got a dental situation on your hands and have determined that it is an emergency that needs to be dealt with right away. Depending on the situation, there are certain steps that you will need to take in order to achieve the most ideal outcome.

Lost Tooth

If you have lost a tooth, follow these steps to give the tooth the best chance of being saved:

1. Carefully pick the tooth up by the crown (top part). Do not touch the root of the tooth at all or else the tissue will become damaged and the tooth will not be able to be put back in place.
2. Carefully rinse the tooth in lukewarm water without scrubbing it.
3. If possible, put the tooth back in the empty socket in your mouth.
4. If the tooth will not go back into the socket, place the tooth in a glass of milk, or in between your cheek and lower gums.
5. Contact your dentist to book an emergency appointment as soon as possible.

Chipped or Cracked Tooth

If you have chipped or cracked a tooth that is causing severe pain, the first thing you should do is call your dentist to set up an emergency appointment. While you wait for your appointment, be sure to:

1. Rinse your mouth with warm water.
2. Apply a cold compress to your check to reduce swelling.
3. Take acetaminophen to minimize the pain.
4. Avoid the use of numbing gels as it could damage your gums.

Dental Abscess

If you have identified symptoms of a dental abscess such as knots or lumps in your gums, swollen face, high fever, tender lymph nodes in your neck, toothache or tooth sensitivity, then you need to contact your dentist right away. If there is an infection, it could quickly spread to your jaw and surrounding tissues, or even other parts of the body, causing a potentially life-threatening medical emergency.

While you wait to see your dentist, rinse your mouth out with warm salt water several times to help draw pus to the surface and alleviate the pain in your mouth.

HOW TO AVOID DENTAL EMERGENCIES

The best way to deal with a dental emergency is, of course, to prevent them from happening in the first place. Take care of your teeth and gums by practicing good oral hygiene. That means brushing twice daily, flossing before bed, and rinsing with anti-bacterial mouthwash.

If you play a contact sport, make sure you always wear a mouthguard that is properly fitted to your teeth. A custom mouthguard will offer the best protection during play.

Finally, it is important to visit your dentist for regular checkups. Ideally, you should have an appointment once every six months. They can check your teeth for signs of issues that could lead to a dental emergency down the road. They’ll also be able to see if there are any loose crowns or fillings that need to be replaced. Getting your teeth cleaned while you’re here will also help to keep your mouth as healthy as possible and reduce your risk of abscess related dental emergencies in the future.

The dental team at Preston Dental Center always has your best interests in mind. We will always handle your situation with care and present you all of your options for tooth replacement. With our expertise, you can and should trust our recommendations for treatment, as they will always be the best options for your complete oral health.

OUR MODERN FACILITY AND TECHNOLOGY

A modern, centrally located dental office that employs some of the most advanced dental equipment and instrument sterilization techniques makes Preston Dental Centre a unique health care facility. The warm inviting offices, natural light in every room and professional staff will all confirm that PDC is unlike any dental office you have visited before.