Introduction
Dental emergencies can happen anytime!
A sudden toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a painful, swollen gum can derail your entire day and leave you hanging in the balance.
At Kelly Family Dentistry, we combine our rapid response emergency care with proven preventive services by our experienced dental professionals.
What is Emergency Dental Care?
Dental emergencies can occur suddenly due to accidents, infections, or trauma, and you will require professional attention to prevent complications, relieve discomfort, and preserve your oral health.
Emergency dental care refers to the immediate treatment provided by our dentist to relieve severe pain, save a tooth, or stop bleeding. They emphasize managing urgent oral health problems that can’t wait for a regular appointment.
This blog takes a closer look at emergency dental care and how the experts manage it. Let’s get started.
Common Dental Emergencies and Their Care
Now that you know what emergency dental care is, you must be aware of the typical dental emergency in Huntingburg, IN–
Severe Toothache
A toothache is one of the most frequent dental emergencies. It can cause mild discomfort to unbearable pain, often indicating an underlying issue, such as an infection or decay.
The possible causes include deep cavities or decay that have reached the nerve, a cracked or fractured tooth, a gum infection or abscess, or a food particle or debris lodged between your teeth.
Symptoms
- A sharp, throbbing, or continuous pain
- Swelling in the jaw or gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain that worsens at night
First 10 Minutes
Before you can reach out to an emergency dental clinic, you can rinse your mouth with warm salt water to alleviate some pain or get some over-the-counter pain relief. Meanwhile, avoid applying heat or aspirin directly to the gum.
Treatment Process
Your emergency dentist in Huntingburg, IN, will conduct an X-ray scan for instant evaluation and provide pain relief as a preliminary treatment. The treatment process involves filling, root canal therapy, or extraction, depending on the assessment.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A tooth getting displaced from its socket owing to any trauma or injury from an accident or a fall is a true dental emergency.
First 10 minutes
Your tooth can be saved if treated within 30 to 60 minutes if you follow some immediate steps –
- Hold the broken tooth by its crown and not the root, as it might damage the nerve endings, making it impossible to reattach properly.
- Rinse it with saline water or milk and do not scrub it.
- You can try gently reinserting it into the socket or storing it in cold milk or a saline solution.
- Get emergency dental care.
Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth
Your tooth can suddenly break or chip if you bite on hard food, experience trauma, or have a habit of grinding. Cracks usually range from minor enamel fractures to deep splits that might reach your pulp.
Symptoms
- Pain while chewing
- Sharp edges cutting the tongue or cheek
- Sensitivity to temperature changes
First 10 minutes
When you experience any of these symptoms, you must rinse your mouth with water and try to save any broken pieces. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce any swelling and avoid chewing on the affected side.
Treatment Process
The dental treatments involves bonding or filling for small chips, crowns, or veneers if your fracture is large, and finally, root canal treatment if the pulp is exposed.
Dental Abscess
An abscess can be defined as a pocket of pus that is usually caused near the tooth root or gum line due to a bacterial infection. It can cause intense pain and swelling, which becomes a dental emergency.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to the facial tissues, sinuses, or bloodstream, potentially leading to sepsis.
Symptoms
- Severe, throbbing toothache
- Swelling of the face or jaw
- Tender lymph nodes
- Fever and bad taste in the mouth
First 10 minutes
If you experience any of these symptoms, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Avoid touching, squeezing, or popping the abscess. Visit an emergency dental clinic as soon as possible for drainage and antibiotics to address the issue.
Lost Filling or Crown
If you lose a filling or a dental crown comes loose, your tooth will be exposed, making it sensitive and vulnerable to damage or decay, which can be a dental emergency.
Symptoms
- Sharp pain while drinking or eating
- Sensitivity to air or temperature
- Visible hold or broken restoration
First 10 minutes
Before you can reach out for emergency dental care, keep the crown or filling piece safe and apply a temporary dental cement to cover up the exposed tooth. Meanwhile, avoid any sticky or hard food.
Later, visit your dentist to re-cement or replace the restoration.
Bleeding or Swollen Gums
Bleeding gums during brushing may seem normal at times, but persistent bleeding or swelling often indicates gum disease or a more serious underlying issue.
The possible underlying cause behind the bleeding can be gingivitis or periodontitis, which has not been diagnosed yet. Besides, an injury from hard brushing or flossing, an ill-fitting denture, or braces.
First 10 mins
The emergency care involves applying gentle pressure with clean gauze after rinsing with salt water. If bleeding continues beyond 10-15 minutes, contact your emergency dentist.
Jaw Injury or Fracture
If you experience jaw pain, misalignment, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth, it may be due to a dislocation or fracture. Often, a fracture can be due to a fall or accident.
Symptoms
- Jaw stiffness or misalignment
- Pain while chewing or speaking
- Bruising or swelling around the jaw
First 10 mins
As an emergency aid, apply a cold compress and avoid moving your jaw unnecessarily. Visit your emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Treatment
Treatment in these cases usually involves X-ray scans, jaw stabilization, or referral to an oral surgeon.
What To Expect From Us
At Kelly Family Dentistry, we organize emergency visits to move quickly and safely through these steps:
- Knowing the History: Our staff asks when the problem started, what you did first, medical history, medications, and allergies.
- Identifying vital signs and conducting exams: Our experienced dentists will assess the airway, breathing, and circulation as necessary, evaluate the mouth, and take 3D and X-ray scans if required.
- Immediate Pain Control: Since a dental emergency usually involves unbearable pain, controlling it is a significant aspect of emergency dental care. Our dentist offers local anesthesia, short-acting medication, or sedation options depending on the urgency of the emergency.
- Temporary or Definitive Treatment: Depending on the diagnosis, our dentists may repair your tooth, replant or splint an avulsed tooth, prescribe antibiotics, drain an abscess, or perform an extraction.
Takeaway
- Contact Kelly Family Dentist, our specialists will provide clear instructions, prescriptions, and a plan for follow-up care or specialist referral if necessary.
- We emphasize clear communication and ensure that you have a clear understanding of the treatment options and risks involved.