Like you would go to the emergency room for a broken bone, scraped knee, or chest pains, sometimes you need to seek out dental care for an unexpected and immediate need. But what are these situations? Read on as we discuss 6 common dental emergencies.
Chips or Cracks
A chip or crack in your tooth may not seem like an emergency, but it actually is. After all, even the smallest of chips or cracks can allow bacteria from plaque and saliva to get into the enamel and dentin layers, leading to infection and decay which can spread to other teeth.
What's worse, chips or cracks can cause pain and sensitivity when eating certain foods which can interfere with your normal life.
Therefore, you should always seek treatment for a chipped or cracked tooth as soon as possible to ensure optimal oral health.
Severe Toothache
A severe toothache usually means that something is wrong inside the tooth itself, like decay or an infection. Without prompt attention, these underlying issues can cause further damage to the tooth and extensive pain.
Additionally, severe toothaches have been known to cause fever, swelling in the face, and difficulty sleeping, all of which should not be taken lightly. If this describes your medical situation, visit a dentist immediately.
Missing/Loose Teeth
When a tooth is missing, surrounding teeth shift into the gap left by the lost tooth causing misalignments and shifting of existing teeth.
The shift in position of existing teeth puts undue pressure on these teeth which can further lead to cavities and even gum infections that affect nearby missing or loose teeth.
When left untreated, these present serious health concerns and even result in damage to other parts of the body.
If you're experiencing a missing or loose tooth, seek immediate dental care. An experienced dentist will quickly assess your particular situation and determine a treatment plan best suited for restoring the health of your smile.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is an infection caused by bacteria trapped between two teeth due to decay or food particles becoming lodged between them over time.
If left untreated, this type of infection can spread quickly throughout other areas of the mouth leading to serious complications such as sepsis (blood poisoning) which can potentially cause death if left untreated for too long.
If you suspect that you may have developed a dental abscess see a dentist immediately.
Loose or Knocked out Teeth
Any facial impact that results in a loose or knocked-out tooth is classified as a dental emergency. This is because the chances of preserving or re-implanting a tooth decrease drastically when the underlying issue goes untreated for an extended period of time.
This means that quick action and prompt professional attention are necessary to defer any permanent damage to the teeth and surrounding structures.
Therefore, if you experience a serious blow to the face resulting in a damaged tooth, then it is essential that you seek immediate dental care.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Whether it's a cut inside your mouth, bruised lips, or swollen cheeks, soft tissue injuries are considered dental emergencies. These types of injuries can cause significant damage to the mouth and jaw, resulting in immense pain and discomfort.
Moreover, they can also be an indication of serious health problems that require quick action. For example, if your lip is swollen due to a bee sting then this could actually be a sign of a more serious issue such as an allergic reaction.
Therefore, no matter how minor the soft tissue injury may seem, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified dentist.
Call Us Right Away
Are you experiencing any of these dental problems? Then you need urgent dental care. At Refine Dental Studio, our Lewis Center dentist treats a range of dental emergencies and can offer a quick and accurate diagnosis and treatment for your condition. Call us at (740) 201-1330 to schedule an appointment.
