A dental emergency can result from a knocked-out tooth, splitting a molar, or a sudden toothache — all of which require prompt assessment and management. Learn more about emergency dental care and what to do if you have a dental emergency.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is an oral health problem that requires immediate treatment. In some circumstances, the nature of the emergency is clear. In some cases, you may have discomfort or bleeding but not know the root cause.
Below are some of the circumstances that require emergency dental care.
- Broken Tooth
There is no need to visit an emergency dentist if your tooth is simply chipped and you are not in any discomfort.
A shattered or knocked-out permanent tooth usually causes excruciating pain. Not only will seeking emergency dental care help you manage your discomfort, but it may also save your tooth. If the tooth has been knocked out completely, pick it up by the crown and not the root. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse the tooth in water and place the tooth back in the socket as soon as possible. If this is not possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a cup of milk until you can get emergency dental care. This will enhance the possibility of the tooth being saved and reinserted.
- Sudden and Unexplained Pain
Toothaches that are unexplained, severe and persistent can be an indication of gum disease and infection. If the pain is minor, start with at-home remedies. However, if the pain worsens or does not go away, it is time to see your emergency dentist.
In the worst-case scenario, you may be dealing with an abscessed tooth. Feel around the gums for a lump near the tooth that is causing you pain. Tooth sensitivity, a fever, and/or swelling in the mouth or the face are further warning symptoms to look out for. If you experience any of these symptoms, look for an emergency dental clinic as soon as possible.
- Sudden Bleeding Gums
After flossing or if you have been diagnosed with gum disease, it is common for your gums to bleed a little. However, if the bleeding is severe, continuous, and accompanied by discomfort or edema, you should contact your dentist. Bleeding that cannot be explained could be a sign of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease can be a sign of deeper oral health issues, and can also be a sign of problems with your overall health. It would be best to have a dentist rule out any oral health issue to make sure you can get the right treatment.
- A Swollen Jaw
A swollen jaw can be caused by a variety of factors. It could be caused by an infection, enlarged lymph nodes, or malignancy (in exceedingly rare circumstances). This may also be an indication of gum disease. It is best to schedule an emergency dental appointment because you have no way of knowing what is causing the swelling.
- Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth may be a dangerous condition. Fever, sensitive lymph nodes in the neck, swelling in the cheek, and a bulging ‘bump’ adjacent to the affected tooth are all symptoms of this infection. If you think you have developed an abscess, make an appointment with an emergency dentist straight away.
A tooth that has become infected is a dental emergency. If the infection is not treated, it can spread to the jaws and other regions of the body. While you wait for your emergency appointment, avoid hot foods and beverages, brush with a soft toothbrush, and avoid flossing the damaged areas. Before your emergency appointment, swish warm salt water around in your mouth to pull the pus to the surface.
An abscess can be excruciating, but you should avoid using pain relievers like numbing gel before your emergency appointment.
It is critical, like with any medical emergency, to seek professional guidance and treatment as soon as possible. Overlooking bleeding, acute pain, or a dislodged or fractured tooth can lead to issues that will require more costly and complex treatment in the future.
What Should I Do During a Dental Emergency?
You should contact a dentist once you have determined that you require an emergency appointment. This appointment does not have to be with your regular dentist. When you call the dental office, you should describe the situation and request an emergency appointment.
Many dental practices reserve a handful of appointments available for patients who need immediate assistance, and staff will be able to provide the following scheduled emergency appointment. Some practices offer out-of-hours appointments if needed.
Contact a Trusted Emergency Dental Health Clinic
Dental emergency cases can be frightening and perplexing, however, they can be resolved. We recognize how stressful emergency dental situations can be at Springdale Dental Centre. Our emergency dentists in Brampton provide existing and new patients with the right treatment to resolve dental emergencies as quickly as possible.
Call 905-458-1212 to schedule an emergency appointment and a member of our team will be able to advise you on what to do next.
