Types of Dental Emergencies You Should Never Ignore
Dental emergencies are any dental-related accident or injury that requires immediate attention. A dental emergency can occur due to many different things, some being accidents and some being an injury due to a sport or fall. If a dental emergency occurs out of nowhere, do not wait for it to subside before you get the help you need. Most dental emergencies are painful, and the discomfort will only get worse if left untreated. Discover below the types of dental emergencies you should never ignore and when to see an emergency dentist for care.
Knocked Out Tooth
If you have a tooth that got knocked out, you must visit an emergency dentist immediately. Whether due to an accident or an injury, a knocked-out tooth requires professional care by a dentist. Even if a child has a knocked-out tooth that is not one of their permanent teeth, getting an exam by a dentist will ensure that their gums and surrounding teeth are not impacted by the injury as well. Once you make your emergency dentist appointment, be sure to rinse your mouth gently with warm water and apply gentle pressure to the area where the tooth was knocked out. If you can find the tooth, place it in a container with milk or water to bring to your appointment. Avoid taking any pain medication or performing the next steps until you consult your dentist. A knocked-out tooth requires immediate attention and should not be pushed off as pain can get worse, and an infection is possible.
Cracked/Chipped Tooth
A cracked or chipped tooth will require an emergency dental appointment so they can ensure that the specific tooth and teeth around it are not affected. When a tooth is cracked, chipped, or broken, there is a risk that the nerve or pulp tissue is exposed. This can cause discoloration, pain, and sensitivity, all of which require immediate dental attention. Sometimes, an emergency dentist will need to file down a chipped tooth, or it may also require a dental crown to cover and protect the outside of the tooth. Treating a cracked tooth as soon as it happens will allow you to get the most effective treatment and prevent worse conditions later on.
Infected Gum
If your gums seem more red or sensitive than usual, or you suspect you have a mouth infection, do not ignore these signs. Visiting an emergency dentist for a gum infection is crucial at the sign of your first symptom. Infections can easily spread to other parts of the body or cause your mouth to swell and feel sore. Gum infections can occur for various reasons, so if your body is giving you signs you may have an abscess, emergency dental care is required right away. Your emergency dentist will perform an exam and often prescribe an antibiotic to prevent the infection from spreading or getting worse. Poor oral hygiene habits are often the leading cause of infection as bacteria can build up fast in the mouth, but other tooth-related issues can lead to an infection if not detected early on. Consult your dentist immediately if you notice any signs of infected gums or abscess.
Toothache or Jaw Discomfort
An emergency dentist should address any toothache or jaw discomfort. A persistent toothache can be very painful and often won’t go away on its own without treatment or examination from a professional dentist. Pain in your mouth could also be the sign of an abscess so seeking dental care early on is the best option. Regardless of whether your pain is related to a serious dental condition or not, you should always take the initiative to get seen by a dentist to prevent worse conditions from happening. Being safe rather than sorry is essential, as oral health issues can affect your entire body. No matter the area of the mouth or face that hurts, contacting an emergency dentist can provide you peace of mind and put you in the right direction for the care you need.
Call Jo-Anne Johnson DMD Family Dentistry For Emergency Dental Services
If you’re looking for an emergency dentist in Bedford, NH, do not wait to call Jo-Anne Johnson DMD Family Dentistry. Our emergency dental team offers immediate care when you need it. Dental emergencies are serious and should never be left untreated. Our team will also check our answering machine for any messages that may be left after business hours so you can get the help you need. Learn more about our emergency dental services and how we can help you when you need emergency dental care.
