What is a Dental Emergency and How Do You Deal with One?

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When there is an issue in the teeth or mouth, sometimes it can turn into an emergency. To deal with the difficult situation, you need emergency dentistry in Colwood to solve the problem regarding teeth, gums, and the mouth. Here, we will provide an overview of dental emergencies and practical advice that will help you deal with them conveniently.

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is a problem in the teeth or mouth that requires urgent care from a professional. If left untreated, it could be painful or even more serious.

What is Classified as a Dental Emergency?

  • Toothache: Toothache is caused mostly by cavities or tooth cracks. Usually, there might be sharp pain due to the infection that remains, and it requires professional help to solve it.
  • Broken or knocked-out tooth: If your tooth breaks or gets knocked out, seek professional help immediately. A knocked-out tooth may occasionally be put back into your mouth by acting quickly, but damaged teeth can be unpleasant.
  • Lost filling or crown: Teeth damage is repaired using crowns and fillings. When a tooth falls out, it may begin to hurt or experience additional damage. Seek professional help to treat it and avoid future consequences.
  • Gum injury: Bleeding gums can result from an injury or infection. If your gums are bleeding or injured, then it may be a sign you require emergency dentistry near you to treat it.
  • Objects stuck between the teeth: Sometimes foods or other substances can get stuck between the teeth. If not cleaned by flossing or brushing, this can lead to further complications.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency?

A person must know some preventive measures to deal with the emergency efficiently. Here are some steps you can take for different dental emergencies:

Toothache

  • Rinse with warm salt water: It can help soothe the pain and clean up the area.
  • Take pain relief: You can take over-the-counter pain medicine to prevent the pain.
  • Visit a dentist: You are required to visit a dentist near you as soon as possible to know the cause of the pain and treat it.

Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth

  • For a broken tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water first, then apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling. Save any pieces of the broken tooth and visit a dentist right away.
  • For a knocked-out tooth: Find the tooth, hold it from the crown (top part), and carefully rinse it with water. If possible, try fitting the tooth back into its socket. Otherwise, place the tooth in a cup of milk or water and seek professional help immediately.

Lost Filling or Crown

  • Temporary solution: You can reattach the filling or crown using dental cement from a medical store (following the instructions on the package).
  • Visit a dentist: Visit your emergency dentistry in Colwood as soon as possible to get a new filling or crown.

Gum Injury

  • Rinse your mouth: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area (gum injury).
  • Use a clean cloth: If your gums are bleeding, gently apply pressure using a clean cloth to stop bleeding.
  • See a dentist: Visit your dentist to check the injury and get the right treatment.

Objects Stuck Between Teeth:

  • Try flossing: Use dental floss to gently remove the object; being careful not to push it further in.
  • Rinse with water: Sometimes rinsing with water can help to remove the object.
  • Visit a dentist: If you can’t get the object out or it’s causing you pain, seek a dentist for help.

When to Contact a Dentist for Help?

It’s always a good idea to call a professional emergency dentistry near you if you think that you are experiencing a dental emergency. They can offer you advice on how to deal with challenging circumstances and when to get professional assistance. It is recommended to contact your dentist as soon as possible because some dental difficulties require immediate care.

Tips to Prevent Dental Emergencies

While you cannot completely prevent a dental emergency, you can always reduce your risk by:

  • Brushing and flossing daily: It will keep your teeth clean, thereby preventing cavities and gum disease.
  • Wearing a mouthguard: If you are involved in sports, wear a protective mouthguard to keep your teeth from getting knocked out or damaged.
  • Avoid chewing hard food: Be cautious with hard foods like ice or hard candy, which can result in the cracking of teeth.
  • Regular dental checkups: Regular visits to your emergency dentistry in Colwood can help to detect a problem at an earlier stage before it becomes severe.

How Can I Sleep with Unbearable Tooth Pain?

Try putting a cool compress on your face, sleeping with your head raised, and taking over-the-counter pain medicines if your tooth pain is too severe to handle. Additionally, pain can be reduced by rinsing with warm salt water. Consult with your dentist for advice and immediate care if the discomfort doesn’t go away.

Key Takeaway

A dental emergency occurs when a problem with your teeth or mouth requires prompt treatment. To get immediate assistance in case of a dental emergency, follow these instructions and give your dentist a call. Take care of your teeth and gums to avoid dental emergencies and to keep a healthy and attractive smile.

Visit Urban Smiles Colwood Today for Quality Dental Care!

Urban Smiles Colwood is a modern dental clinic that helps maintain optimal oral health. Our team of dentist in Langford focuses on creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for our patients so that they have a positive dental experience at our clinic. In the event of an emergency requiring quick assistance, please call us, and we will attend accordingly.