Emergencies are always unexpected and unwelcome. There’s really no way to plan for them, but there are plenty of ways to be prepared for the possibility of them. When it comes to dental emergencies, it’s important to contact your dentist ASAP. Many dentists offer special appointments for emergencies only.
Common Dental Emergencies
Abscess: This is a very serious and potentially life-threatening dental emergency that should be taken care of ASAP. An abscess occurs as the result of an infection when a buildup of puss accumulates inside the gums or teeth. It can appear as a pimp-like bump near the infection site. Other symptoms include localized pain, tooth sensitivity, fever, swelling, and tender lymph nodes. The infection can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Chipped or cracked tooth: This is only an emergency if the chip or crack is extremely painful with the inner tissues exposed, or it leaves sharp fragments that could cause injury to your mouth. Otherwise, you can wait to see the dentist. The best home remedy for a cracked tooth is to rinse with warm water to clean the area. Apply cold compresses for swelling and salvage any tooth fragments if possible.
Damaged dental work: Dental work can withstand a lot of wear and tear, but sometimes damage occurs, whether it be a cracked filling or a crown that pops off. If your crown comes off, you can try putting it back in place using temporary dental adhesive from the drugstore. Damaged dental work left untreated can lead to more serious problems that require extensive repairs.
Jaw injury: A car accident, sports injury, or punch to the face can do some serious damage to your jaw. A broken jaw is a true emergency that might even require a visit to the ER. Cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers can help with swelling and pain. In serious cases, the jaw may need to be wired shut in order to heal properly.
Knocked out tooth: If your tooth gets knocked out, try to find it, rinse off any dirt, and put it back into place ASAP without touching the root. Whatever you do, keep the tooth moist even if that means holding it in place between your cheek and gums or soaking it in a cup of milk. Some drugstores sell tooth preservation kits for this type of scenario. Get to the dentist immediately to try to save the tooth!
Soft tissue trauma: The cheeks, lips, and gums are subject to injury. Biting into that juicy steak, and you sink your teeth into your tongue! When soft tissues endure trauma, they sure can bleed. Keep in mind that blood mixed with saliva looks like a lot of blood. On the plus side, soft tissue injuries typically heal quickly. If you are in severe pain or the bleeding is excessive and doesn’t stop, then head to the ER or the dentist.
Stuck object: Popcorn kernels are big time offenders. When a foreign object gets stuck between your teeth or beneath your gums, stay calm and use common sense. Never attempt to dislodge the foreign body with sharp items such as pliers, scissors, or tweezers. That might only make matters worse. Try gently removing the stuck object with waxed dental floss or a water flosser. If your attempts fail, your dentist can safely remove it.
Toothache: A toothache can be vague, but nonetheless a dental emergency. A tooth may hurt due to a variety of reasons such as bruxism, cracked tooth, decay, gum disease, infection, sensitive teeth, and even sinus problems. Try rinsing with warm water along with brushing and flossing to remove any debris. If the pain doesn’t let up after a couple of days or becomes severe, then it’s time to be seen.
Berger Dental is proud to offer emergency dental services. If you experience a dental emergencies, don’t wait around, but call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.