5 Common Types of Dental Emergencies

From the matter of “what are dental emergencies?”, let’s move to the main types of conditions that can put your oral health at risk.

1. Knocked-Out or Dislodged Teeth

This dental emergency requires immediate action to save the tooth. If you have an adult tooth entirely knocked out, you have nearly half an hour to seek dental care.

Hold the dislodged tooth by the crown and avoid touching the roots. Put it in a clean container with water or milk to keep it moist. You can also rinse the knocked-out tooth with water and place it behind your cheek while heading to the dental office. If you act quickly, there’s a high chance of the tooth being successfully reattached.

2. Cracked, Chipped, or Fractured Teeth

Cracks, chips, and fractures can cause dental pain or sensitivity because inner tooth structures become exposed. The condition brooks no delay, as bacteria can cause infection if left untreated. 

Gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water and apply gauze to contain bleeding if you have it. Collect broken tooth pieces and take them to the emergency dentist. In the case of swelling, you may hold a cold compress on your cheek.

3. Severe Toothache and Dental Abscesses

A sharp, strong toothache can signify trauma, infection, or cavities that have affected the nerve. The condition can be accompanied by bad breath, local swelling, and fever. You may rinse your mouth with warm salt water and take over-the-counter painkillers to avoid possible complications. However, it’s best to seek emergency dental treatment to identify the cause of pain and get the corresponding treatment.

A dental abscess is a painful pus pocket typically caused by bacterial buildup or untreated cavities. It’s crucial to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of your body by regularly rinsing your mouth with salt water and not touching the affected area. The neglected dental abscess can cause fever, so seek professional care as soon as possible.

4. Lost Fillings or Broken Crowns

Tooth fillings and dental crowns must hold tightly to protect damaged teeth. However, they fall out sometimes. The exposed tooth tissue promotes hypersensitivity to temperature and pressure. It’s reasonable to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice the mishap.

Meanwhile, don’t overload the affected tooth as it lacks protection to effectively withstand damage. If it aches, you can treat the sensitive area with some clove oil on a cotton swab.

5. Heavy Bleeding or Swelling

Bleeding in the oral cavity can be a result of tooth extraction or trauma, but it usually subsides after applying a clean gauze for 15 minutes. If it continues, address your dentist without delay.

Swelling around the jawline may occur due to several factors, such as trauma, infection, impacted wisdom teeth, etc. It’s crucial to contact a dental office to identify the cause and stop the infection from progressing. You use cold compresses to alleviate discomfort.

What Is NOT a Dental Emergency?

Some situations might seem scary, but they allow you to wait for an appointment during the established working hours. According to the American Dental Association, these apply to:

• Routine orthodontic procedures (except for issues that provoke pain or can potentially harm a patient);
• Regular dental examinations;
• Teeth cleaning;
• Restorative and aesthetic dentistry.

Though these issues don’t require same-day care, you still should see a dentist regularly to prevent potential complications.

How to Handle Dental Emergencies Until You See a Dentist

Professional care is irreplaceable for dental emergencies, but knowing several supportive steps can help improve the outcome before you reach a clinic:

1. Stay calm and try to identify the emergency type.
2. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean debris. 
3. Apply a cold compress to your cheek to lessen swelling.
4. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.
5. Sit upright to limit bleeding.
6. Avoid chewing on the affected side until examined by a doctor.

These versatile actions can help manage pain and prevent further harm. However, you need comprehensive treatment to mitigate symptoms. 

When to Seek Immediate Dental Care

Understanding when to seek professional intervention helps ensure timely care and prevent complications. These symptoms can accompany a dental emergency:

• Dental trauma: Accidental injuries can cause knocked-out or broken teeth and should be addressed immediately.
• Acute toothache: Intense pain can signify damaged nerves or infections.
• Loose teeth: It can indicate problems with the supporting tooth structures.
• Abscess and swollen gums. They might relate to infections with a high risk of spreading.

If you’re unsure whether your issue needs to be urgently treated, it’s better to consult a reputable dental clinic for clarification. It’s better to overcare for your oral health than let it ride.

Conclusion

Dental emergencies encompass a range of issues affecting teeth, gums, or the jaw, and each requires early recognition and prompt attention. If you seek professional care on time, a doctor can detect the dental mishap’s nature and develop a personalized treatment plan. While waiting for a visit, you can follow our tips to stabilize the situation and avert further complications. They are aimed at managing discomfort, but only VIP dental care can enhance the chances of getting a better recovery outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies

Additional Resources

If you want to learn more about the treatment options for the listed dental emergencies, visit the National Library of Medicine website for a comprehensive study.