When a medical emergency rears its ugly head, it can be a difficult thing to process. For many people, the first instinct is to call the hospital, which tends to be the best course of action. However, in the case of a dental emergency, it might be a better idea to visit a dentist instead.
Should You Visit the Emergency Room?
In 2012, there were nearly 58,000 visits to the emergency room for oral health problems. In 2014, that number went up to 61,000. Many visits to the ER every year are for non-traumatic dental problems. For many of those people, the ER was their best hope for care (usually due to the costs associated with visiting the dentist). However, in most cases, ERs only provide routine health care for dental emergencies. For the most part, hospitals are not equipped to deal with emergencies like broken and chipped teeth. Typically, the emergency team will stabilize your condition, control bleeding, and treat fractures. In the case of dental infections, they can also provide antibiotics or arrange surgery for serious injury.
What Should You Do Instead?
When you are dealing with a dental emergency, your best bet is to visit your family dentist instead of the ER. Dental emergencies are serious, but the most immediate problem is likely to be the pain rather than the risk of infection. It is important to remember to stay calm and call the dentist first. If the emergency happens during business hours, it will be easier for your dentist to help you; with luck, they may be able to see you that day.
What to do in case of an emergency can depend on the nature of your problem. For some of the more common ones, here are some things you can do. Regardless of the problem, it is vital that you move quickly. Swift action is key to saving a tooth and increasing the chances it can be replaced without complications.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Losing permanent teeth can be a particular risk if you are playing sports or if you have suffered a fall. In case it happens to you, immediate care is key to saving the tooth and avoiding further complications. It is ideal if you retrieve the tooth; pick it up by the crown only to avoid disturbing the tissue. Rinse the tooth in water only (no soap or other chemicals) to preserve it. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth back into its socket. If not, place the tooth in a container of milk (or a cup of water with a pinch of salt). After all that, leave for the dental clinic immediately. Returning teeth to their sockets tend to have the best results when done within an hour of their being knocked out.
Broken Or Chipped Tooth
Broken or chipped teeth are another common injury. Often, there is not any pain, which makes dealing with the emergency easier on your part. There may be some sensitivity to heat or cold, but that is normal. The feeling usually goes away after a few days as the tooth remineralizes. In case of bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the site to staunch the blood flow. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth to reduce any swelling around the tooth. If the chip is small enough, your dentist can fill the missing piece with a filling. In the case of larger chips, a crown may be installed over your tooth to restore the appearance. However your tooth turns out, with the help of some cosmetic dentistry the tooth can be repaired to look as it was before the accident.
Tooth Abscess
Abscesses are serious infections that occur around the root of a tooth or in between the gums and teeth. It is a severe infection that can adversely affect surrounding tissues. If you have reason to suspect you have an abscess, it is imperative you contact your dentist immediately to have it treated. Keep an eye out for a painful, pimple-like swelling around your teeth and gums; that is the most visible sign of an abscess. Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution every day to help fight infection and relieve any pain or swelling until you can see your dentist.
Bleeding
Bleeding from the mouth is usually taken as a sign that something is wrong. The mouth is usually very resistant to bleeding, so when it does occur, it is worthy of note. Regardless of why your gums and mouth are bleeding, it is always something to take seriously. Pay especially close attention if you see blood on your floss or in your saliva. These can be signs of serious complications. Contact your dentist immediately if this happens to you. See them right away to get a diagnosis and address the problem before anything else happens.
In some cases, patients are known to bleed after dental procedures. Some level of bleeding is to be expected, but it stops after a while. If the bleeding continues for several hours after the operation, contact your dentist immediately. In the meantime, keep your head elevated, especially if you have to sleep before the appointment.
Foreign Body Reactions
Sometimes, large particles of food (for example, poppy seeds or popcorn hulls) can get lodged between the teeth, which can cause pain and inflammation. This is called a foreign body reaction. The problem usually occurs when the space between teeth is too wide, giving food plenty of space to get stuck. Your dentist can usually remedy the problem by installing a new crown or filling to make a better fit with the surrounding teeth. In the meantime, use dental floss with knots tied in it to try and dislodge the food. Tie the floss so the knots close in on each other; the size of the knot is key, not how many are in close succession. If the food is causing pain or inflammation, flossing can help reduce it. Alternatively, use a flossing stick to help maneuver in the tighter spaces of your mouth.
When it comes to dealing with dental emergencies, you are usually better off visiting your dentist rather than the emergency room. Dentists are specialized in dealing specifically with these kinds of emergencies, making them better equipped to provide you with the care you need. Besides, your dentist has all your dental records, so they will know how best to help you in any case.
When you need a dentist to help you through a dental emergency, you will need someone you can trust. Give Springdale Dental Centre a call; we are ready to help provide quality service and give you the care you need when facing an emergency.
Drop us a line at (905) 458-1212 or visit our contact page to make an appointment.
