Dental emergencies can be extremely painful and if left untreated, they could result in permanent damage to the tooth or gums and require more invasive procedures down the line. However, recognizing a dental emergency isn’t always easy. There are many situations that can occur and be considered an emergency, such as severe tooth pain, bleeding, swelling or a knocked-out tooth. The key is to act quickly and see a cosmetic dentists right away.
Dental trauma is the leading cause of dental emergencies. Often, injuries occur when patients play sports, fall or are involved in car accidents. These accidents may cause a blow to the mouth that can chip, break or even knock out teeth. In addition to dental trauma, a patient can suffer from a dental emergency due to an infection or abscess that needs immediate treatment.
A dental emergency is usually a sign of a serious underlying problem that requires prompt attention. In addition to symptomatic relief, emergency dentists also provide valuable guidance on follow-up care and prevention to help patients avoid further complications.
There are many types of dental emergencies, and the exact nature of a dental emergency will depend on a number of factors. Some of the most common include a cracked tooth, a lost or fractured crown or filling and severe or persistent bleeding in the mouth or cheeks.
When a dental emergency occurs, it’s important to remain calm and seek urgent treatment. Visiting your dentist regularly and following their recommendations on oral hygiene practices, avoiding foods that are high in sugar or acid, and using protective gear while playing sports can prevent dental emergencies.
It’s also vital to have regular checkups to spot any problems before they become emergencies. Seeing your dentist for regular checkups will allow them to treat issues before they escalate into emergencies and save you money in the long run.
Some of the most common dental emergencies include a cracked or broken tooth, a knocked out tooth or a severe toothache. However, there are a number of other signs that indicate it’s time to visit the emergency dentist, including swelling or pain in the jaw area, facial or neck trauma, uncontrolled or oozing bleeding and infections such as fever and pus-filled swelling.
The severity of a dental emergency depends on a variety of factors, including the location and extent of the injury, the underlying condition, and the duration of untreated symptoms. Untreated dental emergencies are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Whether they’re caused by traumatic or infectious injuries, or are the result of post-procedural complications, dental emergencies can be life-threatening.