What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies can be alarming, and often occur without warning. That’s why it is so important to know what is considered a dental emergency so that you can seek proper treatment as soon as possible. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common dental emergencies and what you should do if they occur. We hope that this information helps you stay safe and healthy!

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth can be a serious dental emergency, and therefore must be treated as soon as possible. If you want to save the tooth, you need to act quickly and carefully. 

First, retrieve the tooth, making sure not to touch the roots. Then rinse it off with warm water, but do not scrub or attempt to remove any attached tissue. If possible, try and place the tooth back into its socket in the jaw. Otherwise, store it in a glass of milk or saliva.

Severe Toothache

A severe toothache is also considered a dental emergency, as it could be a sign of an infection or abscess that needs to be treated right away. With proper care, you can help reduce your discomfort and prevent the infection from spreading.

Until you can get to the dentist, you can try rinsing your mouth with salt water and applying a cold compress to get some relief. If the pain persists, contact your dentist as soon as possible so that they can examine and determine the cause of your toothache.

Broken or Cracked Tooth

A broken or cracked tooth can be quite painful and can lead to more serious issues if not treated. For example, a cracked tooth can potentially cause an infection if bacteria enters the crack.

In the meantime, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply a cold compress to the area. Once you are able to see your dentist, they will be able to determine the best course of treatment.

Swollen or Bleeding Gums

While it’s not uncommon for your gums to bleed a little when brushing or flossing, there may be a serious issue if they won’t stop bleeding, especially if they are also swollen or tender. This could be a sign of something like periodontal disease, which needs to be treated right away.

So, if your gums are persistently bleeding without an obvious cause, it may be time to call your dentist and schedule an appointment.

Exposed Nerves

Exposed nerves are often caused by gum disease, which can be very painful and make eating and drinking difficult. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment right away.

Your dentist may suggest medications or antibiotics to reduce the pain and promote healing. In more serious cases, they may suggest surgery or a root canal to further treat the issue. 

The Bottom Line

Dental emergencies can occur at any time, so it is important to know what is considered a dental emergency so that you can take the appropriate action. If you experience any of the symptoms discussed in this blog post, contact a dentist right away. With proper care, you can help prevent further complications and keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Do you have a dental emergency? We’ve got you covered! Click here to get in touch with Shelburne Village Dental, and schedule your appointment today.

Our patients will always be our first priority. We are devoted to creating an exceptional experience with every patient that walks into our office.

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