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Home » Beyond the Dentist’s Door: Dealing with Dental Emergencies

Beyond the Dentist’s Door: Dealing with Dental Emergencies

Anyone can experience a dental emergency at any time. These situations, whether they include a knocked-out tooth or an abrupt, intense toothache, need to be attended to right away. Maintaining good oral health requires regular dental examinations, but it’s also critical to know when to call an emergency dentist.

A dental emergency differs from a typical dental problem based on how serious and urgent the condition is. Pain or discomfort should not be ignored because it may be a sign of a more serious issue that needs to be treated right away.

Indications That You Should Call an Emergency Dentist:

Severe discomfort: You shouldn’t overlook a throbbing, ongoing ache in your jaw or teeth. It’s time to see an emergency dentist if over-the-counter pain relievers aren’t working.

Unstoppable bleeding: After a dental procedure or injury, excessive bleeding may be cause for concern. See an emergency dentist if the bleeding doesn’t stop after applying direct pressure for ten to fifteen minutes.

Facial swelling: Swelling may be a sign of an infection or abscess, particularly if it is accompanied by pain. An emergency dentist is qualified to identify the issue and treat it.

Broken tooth or teeth: Getting immediate dental care is crucial, regardless of whether the tooth is cracked, fractured, or totally broken. Your tooth can be preserved and additional harm can be avoided with prompt treatment.

A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that has to be treated right away. Try to re-insert the tooth into the socket while it is still moist. Then, as soon as you can, go to an emergency dentist.

Stiffness or soreness in the jaw: soreness and difficulty opening or closing your mouth may be signs of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or another severe oral health problem. An emergency dentist can evaluate the condition and suggest the best course of action.

Foreign object stuck in your teeth or gums: Get in touch with an emergency dentist if you have inadvertently ingested or lodged a foreign object in your mouth. They are able to remove the item carefully and avoid any issues.

Infection symptoms: A dental infection may manifest as pus, fever, red streaks surrounding the infected area, or an unpleasant taste in your mouth. An emergency dentist is needed to treat these immediately.

After-Hours Care:

The majority of dentist offices have set hours. It takes preparation to find an emergency dentist when your usual dentist is closed. There are dental clinics open around-the-clock in many places, or you may get advice by calling NHS 111 or your local Dental Helpline.

Keeping Dental Emergencies at Bay:

Even though some dental emergencies are unavoidable, you can lower your risk by doing the following:

Practice good oral hygiene by flossing every day and using fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day.

Limit sugary snacks and eat a well-balanced diet.

When participating in contact sports, use a mouthguard to prevent damage to your teeth.

See your dentist on a regular basis for examinations and cleanings.

The difference between handling a minor issue and dealing with a more significant dental difficulty can be determined by knowing when to call an emergency dentist. Don’t wait; get dental care right away if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms. Keep in mind that timely treatment can frequently stop additional harm and spare you from longer-term agony and higher costs.