Dental emergencies may crop up at any time without warning and there could be severe hardships and toothaches. It could be a sudden toothache, an accident that breaks a tooth, or an infection, and the right decision on whether to call a doctor is the first step towards saving your dental health. When ignored, a dental emergency can attack your teeth, leading to a long way of complications and may involve an infection, loss of a tooth, or a permanent loss of teeth. The trick comes in getting your dental appointment scheduled for emergency dental treatment while trying to use the most suitable time in good health as your time for that appointment.
When to Seek Immediate Dental Care
Not everything that happens to your teeth needs an immediate visit to the dentist, but some symptoms need to be treated right away. Severe pain, visible swelling, excessive bleeding, or a knocked-out tooth needs you to immediately see a dentist. Early intervention helps prevent infection, reduce pain, and preserve your natural teeth.
Common Dental Emergencies
1. Severe Tooth Pain
A persistent and intense toothache is often a sign of an underlying issue, such as deep decay, an abscess, or nerve damage. If the pain is unbearable or does not improve with home remedies, seeking professional care is necessary. A dentist will examine the affected tooth, identify the cause, and recommend appropriate treatment, such as a filling, root canal, or extraction.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth
A knockout tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. If addressed quickly, there is a chance the tooth can be reimplanted. If you can, gently place the tooth back in its socket without touching the root. If that isn’t possible, store it in milk or a saline solution and visit your dentist immediately. Acting within 30 to 60 minutes offers a useful chance of saving the tooth.
3. Broken or Chipped Tooth
A cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth can range from a minor cosmetic issue to a severe emergency if it exposes the inner layers of the tooth. If you break a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and avoid chewing on the affected side. Depending on the severity, your dentist may repair the tooth with bonding, a dental crown, or, in severe cases, an extraction.
4. Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a serious infection that forms a pus-filled pocket at the root of a tooth or in the gums. Symptoms include swelling, fever, persistent pain, a bad taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing. If left untreated, an abscess can spread to other parts of the body, making immediate dental care critical. Your dentist will drain the abscess and may prescribe antibiotics to control the infection.
5. Lost Filling or Crown
Crowns and fillings serve to restore and protect damaged teeth. If one is lost, the exposed tooth is susceptible to bacteria, sensitivity, and additional decay. To cover the area temporarily, you can apply dental cement, sugar-free gum, or petroleum jelly. Nonetheless, it is advisable to visit a dentist in SW Calgary as soon as possible to avoid complications.
How to Manage a Dental Emergency Before Seeing a Dentist
To minimize pain and prevent further damage, it is important to take the correct steps while waiting for a doctor’s appointment:
- Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain medication, and avoid extremely hot or cold foods.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Keep the tooth moist in milk or a saline solution and seek dental care immediately.
- Broken Tooth: Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and avoid eating on the affected side.
- Abscess: Rinse with warm salt water and seek emergency treatment as soon as possible.
- Lost Filling or Crown: Avoid chewing on the affected tooth and use dental cement for temporary protection until you see your dentist.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While all dental emergencies cannot be prevented, diligence in oral hygiene and caution can minimize the chances of the unexpected occurring.
- Maintain Regular Check-Ups: Routine dental visits allow early detection and treatment of potential issues before they turn into emergencies.
- Brush and Floss Daily: Proper oral hygiene helps prevent decay, gum disease, and infections.
- Wear a Mouthguard: If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth from fractures and other injuries.
- Avoid Hard Foods and Objects: Biting down on hard candies, ice, or non-food items can cause tooth fractures and damage.
- Address Dental Problems Early: If you notice tooth sensitivity, mild pain, or minor cracks, don’t wait; seeing your dentist early can prevent more serious issues later.
Your Trusted Partner in Emergency Dental Care
An emergency dental treatment in SW Calgary requires immediate attention to prevent further complications. Whether you’re experiencing severe pain, swelling, or a knocked-out tooth, it’s important to find a dentist near you who provides prompt and reliable emergency care.
At Bow Trail Dental, we understand how stressful dental emergencies can be. Our skilled team is committed to providing compassionate and effective care, ensuring you receive timely treatment to relieve pain and protect your oral health. Whether severe toothache, a dental infection, or a broken tooth, we are here to help you restore your smile.
Don’t wait in pain; Contact Bow Trail Dental today for expert emergency dental care and to regain confidence in your oral health.