What Incidences Are Considered as Dental Emergencies and Why Do You Need to Know an Emergency Dentist?
May 01, 2021
A dental emergency, just like an accident, cannot be predicted. The best you can do is hope that you or a loved one will never experience one. However, since we know that life is unpredictable, it’s best to plan for it.
You don’t want a situation where you are in the park with your family, and you find yourself in the thick of things trying to figure out what to do. This is why you need to have our dentist’s contacts in Fort Atkinson, who offers emergency dentistry near you at all times.
All emergencies are time-sensitive. They always get worse with every passing minute. However, knowing what to do and where to go can reduce a dental emergency’s stress levels.
Incidences That Are Considered As Dental Emergencies
One of the best ways to plan for a dental emergency is to be familiar with the situations that indicate you are in a dental emergency.
Dental emergencies are time-sensitive issues and need to be dealt with immediately to avoid further complications and permanent damage. This means that it would be advisable to know where to get emergency dentistry near you before experiencing a dental emergency.
Knowing a dental emergency from a non-emergency is crucial since this will help you not to panic unnecessarily. Also, you may avoid a situation where you seek an emergency dentist Fort Atkinson appointment during odd hours, only to find that the problem could be solved during regular working hours.
With this being said, look at some of the situations that call for emergency dentistry near you:
- A knocked-out tooth
- A severe and incessant toothache that might even be accompanied by a fever, swollen gums, foul breath, and tooth sensitivity
- Loose permanent teeth
- A persistent toothache, especially when chewing or biting
- A broken or fractured tooth that is causing a toothache or discomfort
- Cuts or lacerations to the soft tissue of the oral cavity that is causing you to bleed incessantly
- A traumatic injury to your jaw or oral cavity
- Any protrusions, bulges, or swellings on your gums
Do not think twice to call our dentist in Fort Atkinson if you experience any of the following dental conditions.
Why Is It Important to Know an Emergency Dentist?
Any dental plan has to factor in the possibility of dental emergencies. It is best to anticipate it than to be hopeful that it will not happen then you find yourself in a crisis. This is true since dental emergencies need you to think on your feet and be ready to move.
Here are some reasons why knowing an emergency dentist near you is critical:
- You Know Where to Go
The last thing you think of doing during a dental emergency is research. Imagine when you are bleeding out, or your tooth has been knocked out, and then you have to figure out where you can go for medical assistance.
This will can make you panic more and, in some instances, aggravate the situation. However, if you had done this before and even interviewed our dentist near you, checked out our facility, then you can make your way to our office. This alone can reduce the stress levels during an emergency.
- You Are Assured of Prompt Treatment
If you know where to go and the dentist to call, you can make the necessary arrangements en route. You can also get guidance on what you can do to reduce the pressure while making your way to our office.
Giving us a call in advance can help us prepare because we will know what we are anticipating. So, as soon as you get into the office, we can start treating you.
- You, Will, Have Peace of Mind
Dental emergencies are no different from any other type of medical emergency. They are highly stressful situations that can cause anyone to panic. Knowing where to go for help can help put your mind at ease.
When you know that you and your family are covered, it will help you not act frantically when dental emergencies occur. There is nothing as powerful as staying calm during an emergency.
When dental emergencies strike, don’t panic. However, remember that most dental issues can be corrected if you act promptly. Contact our emergency dentist at Rock River Dental if you need an emergency dentist appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies
What types of dental emergencies require immediate attention?
A dental emergency typically requires immediate attention if there is:
- Severe pain that disrupts daily activities or is unbearable.
- Knocked-out teeth (especially permanent adult teeth).
- Fractured or cracked teeth with exposed pulp (the tooth’s inner soft tissue).
- Gums or cheek lacerations that won’t stop bleeding or are too deep.
- Infection signs, such as pus or severe swelling, potentially affect your airway.
These issues do not pave the way to pain but can also lead to yet again complications if left without treatment. For example, a cracked tooth with exposed nerves can cause an infection that may travel or spread to other parts of your body. Prompt dental intervention is critical.
How should I handle a knocked-out tooth before I get to the dentist?
If you knock out a permanent tooth, here’s how you should act:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the part that you chew with), never by the root.
- Rinse the tooth with care with clean water if it is dirty, but try not to scrub or use soap.
- Reinsert the tooth back into the socket if possible. Bite down gently to keep it in place.
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in a case of milk or a specialized tooth preservation kit (not water).
- Seek immediate dental care. Time is critical; the sooner you see your dentist, the higher the chances of salvaging the tooth.
Even though tooth reimplantation is most successful within the first 30 minutes, it can still be effective up to an hour or more. Don’t wait—contact your dentist or an emergency dental clinic as soon as possible.
What should I do if I experience severe tooth pain?
Tooth pain can be an indication of serious dental issues, such as an infection, cavity, or gum disease. Here’s how you can temporarily manage the pain:
- Rinse with warm saltwater to help reduce swelling and clean the area.
- Make use of dental floss to eliminate any food crumbs that might be causing discomfort.
- Apply a cold compress to the exterior of your cheek to calm down swelling and numb the pain.
- Take over-the-counter pain medicines like ibuprofen to handle discomfort (following the recommended dosage).
- Avoid applying aspirin straight to the tooth or gum area, as this can cause burns or irritation.
However, pain that persists for more than a day or is severe requires professional attention. It could signal an infection, a deep cavity, or another condition that needs immediate treatment.
How do I manage a dental abscess at home until I can see the dentist?
A dental abscess is a severe infection in the tooth or gum that can spread if not treated. If you suspect you have an abscess (characterized by a painful bump on your gums), you can:
- Wash your mouth with warm saltwater many times a day to calm down swelling and promote drainage.<
- Apply a cold compress to your cheek to manage swelling and ease the pain.<
- Try not to chew on the side of the affected tooth to prevent further irritation.<
- Take pain relievers to manage discomfort until you can see your dentist.<
It’s important to note that an abscess should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. If left sans treatment, the infection can spread or travel to other areas of the body, leading to more severe health issues.
When is it necessary to seek emergency dental care?
Some dental issues require emergency care because of the potential for long-term damage or infection. You should seek urgent dental care if:
- You’re experiencing uncontrollable bleeding from the gums or mouth.
- A tooth has been knocked out or severely fractured, especially if it’s a permanent tooth.
- You’ve sustained significant trauma to the mouth or face, resulting in swelling or deep cuts.
- You suspect an infection (swollen jaw, fever, or persistent pain that doesn’t subside).
- A dental restoration (such as a crown or filling) falls out, and you experience pain or sensitivity.
In these cases, the situation could deteriorate rapidly if not addressed quickly. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and contact your dentist immediately.
Can a broken dental restoration (crown, bridge, filling) be fixed at home?
A broken or dislodged dental restoration, such as a crown or filling, should never be reinserted at home. However, you can take these temporary steps:
- If a filling falls out, try to put a sugar-free gum’s piece in the cavity to protect it until your dental appointment.
- For a lost crown, you can temporarily place it back over the tooth with dental cement, but don’t attempt to glue it back permanently.
- If a bridge or other restoration breaks, keep any pieces and consult with your dentist about the next steps.
A dentist will need to take a look at the damage and provide a permanent solution, which could involve re-fitting or replacing the restoration.
What are some ways to prevent dental emergencies?
While accidents can still happen, there are several ways you can bring down the risk of dental emergencies:
- Wear a mouthguard during contact sports or recreational activities to protect your teeth from injury.
- Try not to chew on hard items like ice, pens, or hard candy, which can fracture teeth.
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing (2 times) and flossing (1 time) daily to prevent gum disease and cavities.
- Visit your dentist timely for check-ups and professional cleanings to catch probable issues early before they become emergencies.
- Be cautious with your diet—avoid sticky or hard foods that could damage dental work or cause tooth fract
