Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and they can be quite unsettling. Dental emergencies can cause pain, discomfort, and anxiety, from a knocked-out tooth to severe toothaches.
While some dental issues may not require urgent attention, specific emergencies immediately require a dentist visit.
Cases where an infection can even be life-threatening. That’s why it’s crucial to know what constitutes a dental emergency and when to visit your dentist.
This article will discuss four dental emergencies requiring immediate attention from a dentist in Garland. We’ll explain what causes these emergencies, what symptoms to look out for, and what to do if you experience dental issues.
1. Severe Tooth Pain
Severe tooth pain is a highly prevalent dental problem. Different factors, such as tooth decay, infection, gum disease, or trauma to the tooth, can cause it.
If you experience severe tooth pain, seeing a dentist Garland as soon as possible is important, as it may indicate a serious underlying problem.
When you visit the dentist, they will examine the affected tooth and may take X-rays to determine the cause of the pain. Depending on what they find, the dentist may recommend a root canal treatment, extraction, or other procedures to alleviate the pain and prevent further damage to the tooth.
In the meantime, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, to manage the pain.
2. Chipped or Broken Tooth
You can chip or break your tooth during a fall, sports injury, or even bite into something hard. But before seeing the doctor, guggle your mouth with warm salted water, save any broken pieces of the tooth, and bring them to the dentist.
3: Knocked-out Tooth
If you knock out a tooth, seeing a dentist within 30 minutes is essential, as the chances of saving the tooth decrease significantly after that time. However, some cases have extended for as long as an hour.
Gently rinse the tooth with water, being careful not to remove any tissue attached to it. Try to reinsert the tooth back into the socket, or if you can’t, place it in a cup of saliva or milk to keep it moist. Avoid touching the tooth’s root, as it’s delicate and can be easily damaged.
4. Lost or Damaged Crown or Filling
Damaging or losing your crown or filling can be an excruciating ordeal, as it can expose the sensitive tooth nerves and cause discomfort.
Before seeing a dentist in Garland to place a new filling or crown, you can get some sugar-free gum to cover the exposed region. Avoid eating or drinking anything cold or hot, as it can increase sensitivity.
5. Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is dangerous and needs a dentist’s quick attention. Severe discomfort, swelling, and fever are symptoms. If left untreated, an abscessed tooth may develop serious complications
6. Object stuck between teeth
When anything becomes stuck between your teeth, and you cannot get it out with floss or brushing, it can be uncomfortable and even infect you. A dentist might help in removing the object and prevent further issues.
7. Extruded Tooth
An extruded tooth, also known as a partially dislodged tooth, is a dental emergency requiring immediate attention from a dentist. This condition occurs when a tooth is partially pushed out of its socket due to injury or trauma.
The Bottom Line
Dental emergencies can be frightening and painful experiences, but it’s crucial to know when to seek immediate care from a dentist to receive the right treatment at the right time. Remember, early treatment can prevent further damage and increase the chances of saving your teeth.
That said, while some emergencies are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to prevent them. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene, and wearing a mouth guard during sports activities can reduce the risk of dental emergencies.
