Dental emergencies can occur at any time. You might experience sudden pain, swelling or severe discomfort, and be unsure what to do next. Many people facing this issue and you’re not alone.
Welcome to this article which features the 4 top dental emergencies you should not ignore. Let’s look at the symptoms, the possible complications and why you should urgently see a dentist.
A mild toothache might be easy to ignore, but if the pain is constant and doesn’t go away, then it’s a sign you should take help. The most urgent dental symptoms include:
- Tooth decay: A deep cavity can cause a lot of pain.
- Abscess: An infection causing a pocket of pus around the tooth root can be very painful.
- Cracked tooth: A deep crack can irritate the tooth’s nerves.
- Gum disease: Advanced gum disease can loosen teeth and hurt.
- Why you shouln’t wait: Ignoring tooth pain might cause infection or swelling and even tooth loss. Don’t wait till it is too late. Inform your dentist of your pain. Your dentist will then diagnose the problem and treat the issue accordingly. Antibiotics might be needed, or a root canal, and it could even require extraction.
Losing a tooth can be scary, but quick action can save it. Here’s what to do:
- Find the tooth: Handle it carefully without touching the root.
- Rinse gently: Briefly rinse it with milk or water (not tap water with chlorine).
- Reinsert if possible: Try to gently put the tooth back in its socket.
- Store it: if you can’t re-insert it, keep it in your mouth in the corner next to your cheek, or in a glass of milk.
- Why you shouldn’t wait: the longer your tooth is out the harder it is to save. Get to a dentist within 30 minutes. They can reinsert and stabilise the tooth with a splint
Fillings and crowns protect your teeth from cavities but they can fall out. Here’s what to look out for.
- Sensitivity: Your tooth might be more sensitive to hot or cold.
- Pain: A lost filling can expose the inner tooth, causing pain.
- Sharp edges: A broken crown can have sharp edges that irritate your mouth.
- Why you shouldn’t wait: An exposed tooth is at risk for decay and infection. Sharp edges can also hurt your gums. See your dentist quickly to replace the filling or recement the crown.
Swelling in your face or gums can come from:
- Abscess: An infected tooth can cause significant swelling.
- Gum disease: Advanced gum disease can cause red, tender, and swollen gums.
- Impacted wisdom tooth: if a wisdom tooth cannot fully emerge from the gum, it can cause pain and swelling.
- Why you shouldn’t wait: Swelling can indicate a serious infection that needs prompt treatment.
Your tooth could be chipped or cracked, and might not hurt immediately
- Sharp edges: They can cut your tongue or cheek.
- Infection risk: Cracks can let bacteria into the tooth, leading to infection.
- Long-term pain: A small crack can split further over time and will require even more dentistry to fix.
- Why you should not wait : Even small chips can be vulnerable to breakage; they’re also more likely to allow bacteria underneath and near your tooth, potentially leading to infection. Treatment could include smoothing the area, bonding the tooth, or adding a crown.
Recognising how to deal with these emergencies will help you take immediate action and avoid further complications. Visit your dentist at the earliest to save your oral health.
