Dental emergencies can occur at any time, without warning. In pain and unsure of what to do, you may be left in a state of confusion. When you suffer from a sudden injury, toothache, or broken tooth, it’s vital to know how to handle the situation and when professional help is needed.
You will learn more about the significance of emergency dentistry from this article. It will teach you how to identify an emergency and what an emergency doctor can do to help.
What Is A Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies are situations that cause severe pain or trauma in your teeth or mouth and require immediate attention. Common dental emergencies include:
- Severe Toothache: A persistent or intense toothache that does not subside with over-the-counter pain relievers could indicate an infection, a decayed tooth, or nerve damage.
- Cracked or Chipped teeth: Accidents can cause teeth or other dental structures to break, chip, or crack. This exposes nerves and increases infection.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: If you lose a tooth due to trauma, quick action can save it. An emergency dentist Inglewood, CA, can replant teeth if they are seen promptly.
- Lost Crowns or Fillings: If your dental crown or filling is missing, you may risk further damage to the tooth.
- Unexplained Gum Bleeding: Gum disease or an injury that requires immediate treatment could cause excessive or unexplained gum bleeding.
- Jaw or Mouth Trauma: An injury to the jaw or mouth, whether from sports or accidents, may result in dislocations, fractures, or other serious complications.
If you have any of these signs, seek dental treatment immediately.
Why You Should Contact An Emergency Dentist
In contrast to a routine dental visit, an emergency dental treatment is often urgent and needs immediate attention. An emergency dentist aims to provide quick relief, stop bleeding, and reduce pain. In some cases, ignoring symptoms or waiting too long to seek treatment can lead to complications, infections, and even permanent damage, which could result in more expensive treatments.
What To Do If You Have A Dental Emergency
Knowing what to do in an urgent dental situation will significantly impact your treatment. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Emergency Dentist: Contact New Image Dental as soon as you know you have an emergency dental situation. New Image Dental, among other dental practices, offers after-hours care.
- Handle Tooth or Fragment with Care: If clean, the tooth should be placed back in the socket. If that isn’t possible, store it in milk or a saline solution and bring it to your doctor as soon as possible.
- Pain and swelling: While waiting for your appointment, you can apply cold compresses to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate discomfort. Avoid applying heat directly to the affected areas, which may worsen inflammation.
- Protect the Mouth from More Injury: If you’ve suffered trauma to your jaw or mouth, don’t chew on that side. Use a soft diet and avoid chewing until you consult a doctor. Use a clean cloth or gauze to apply pressure to a bleeding wound and stop the bleeding.
The Role Of A Dental Emergency Specialist
New Image Dental’s emergency dentists are well-trained to handle any urgent dental situation. An emergency dentist can help in the following ways:
- Anesthesia: Pain is the number one concern during an emergency dental situation. Your emergency dentist can employ various methods to alleviate your discomfort.
- Treating the Root Cause: Whether an infection or decay is causing your pain, your emergency dentist diagnoses the source of the problem and provides the necessary treatment. It may be necessary to perform root canals, extractions, or fillings.
- Restoring Functionality and Appearance: Dental emergencies ofteninvolve tooth loss or damage. If the extent of your damage is severe, an emergency dentist can restore your smile by using crowns.
- How to Prevent Further Complications: Immediate emergency care helps prevent further damage to the mouth and body. This is particularly important in cases involving abscesses or other open wounds in the mouth area.
Conclusion
You cannot plan for dental emergencies, but being well-prepared can help your treatment go smoothly. New Image Dental in Inglewood is the perfect emergency dentist for you. You can achieve fast relief, protect your oral hygiene, and ensure long-term health by remaining calm, acting promptly, and seeking professional treatment. It is important to remember that the sooner your tooth receives care, the better your chance of preserving it and avoiding complications.
