There are several dental emergencies that people experience. Learn more about these issues along with what to do here.
The number of dental-related emergency department visits
nearly doubled in the US over the span of 10 years. On average, the cost associated with these visits ranges between one to two billion dollars annually. About 1.5% of all emergency department visits in the US are related to dental care issues.
You never know when you might find yourself in the middle of a dental emergency. Most emergency rooms aren't equipped to handle these situations, though. Instead, make sure to visit your emergency dental office in Brewster, NY.
Not sure which incidents count as dental emergencies? Here are a few situations to keep an eye out for.
If these situations sound familiar, make sure to find an emergency dentist in the area right away. Otherwise, a small problem could become a major emergency. You might develop complications that require more intense treatment.
Read on to learn how to spot a dental emergency today!
1. Toothache
First, it helps to know what dental emergencies are. A dental emergency indicates your life is in danger. The symptoms you're experiencing could impact your oral health down the line, too.
Some situations seem less intense than others. Even minor symptoms can have a major impact on your health, though.
For example, you might experience a toothache. Most patients shrug off a toothache, expecting it to fade. However, a toothache could indicate a bigger problem.
Pain is never a good sign. For example, it might indicate you've developed tooth decay.
If you develop a toothache, keep track of any other symptoms you're experiencing. For example, swelling might accompany your toothache. Swelling can indicate the situation requires immediate attention.
Many patients turn to remedies like over-the-counter pain medications. Unfortunately, contact with the affected gums could burn the tissue. Instead of reaching for aspirin, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.
Then, visit your emergency dental office in Brewster, NY right away.
Your emergency dentist can determine the cause of your toothache and accompanying symptoms. They can get you on the right course of treatment.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth
You could knock out a tooth due to a sporting incident or car accident.
First, make sure to pick the tooth up by the crown. Rinse off the root only using water. Avoid scrubbing the tooth.
Otherwise, you might unintentionally remove attached tissue fragments.
Though it depends on the extent of your injury, you could get the tooth put back into place. Be careful not to push the tooth back into the socket.
Instead, visit an emergency dentist in the area right away.
The sooner you seek treatment, the more likely you can save the knocked-out tooth and restore it to its rightful place.
If you can't reinsert the tooth on your own, place it in a small cup with milk or a pinch of salt. The milk or saltwater can preserve the tooth. Make sure to bring the cup with you to your emergency dentist in the area.
3. Chipped or Broken Teeth
You could chip or break a tooth if you bite down on something too hard. A small chip might not seem like a big problem until you notice pain or bleeding. If you've chipped a tooth, make sure to search for "an
emergency dentist near me" right away.
Keep track of your symptoms, including pain, swelling, or bleeding.
In the meantime, rinse your mouth out using warm water. If the area is bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the site. You can also apply a cold compress to the side of your face to relieve your pain and swelling.
Your dentist will likely advise you against biting down on crunchy or hard foods. They might recommend you avoid activities that can cause your teeth to break or chip, too.
4. Broken Orthodontics
About
4 million people in the US wear braces, while a fourth of these individuals are adults. While metal braces and wires are meant to withstand wear and tear, accidents can happen. You could break your orthodontics.
A wire might stick out to poke your gums and cheeks, too.
A protruding wire could scratch the inside of your cheek. It can cause discomfort and lead to further injuries. Broken orthodontics can also slow down your treatment plan.
If a wire is protruding from your braces, try to push it into a more comfortable position. Otherwise, cover the exposed end with gauze or orthodontic wax. Make sure to visit your dental office in Brewster, NY.
They can put the wire back into the proper place, allowing you to get back on track with your treatment.
5. Lost Filling or Crown
Fillings and crowns are designed to restore damaged teeth. They can help improve a tooth's appearance or function. When a filling or crown breaks, you'll need treatment right away.
These dental emergencies could lead to reinfection or further damage when left unattended.
Before choosing a dentist, make sure to look for a temporary fix. For example, you can stick a wad of sugarless gum against the cavity.
Don't try to fix the tooth yourself. You could intentionally damage it.
Make sure to place the restoration in a bag before your appointment. Keeping it in a plastic bag will protect the crown from bacteria.
6. Abscess
If you develop an infection in the mouth, it could spread to surrounding teeth and gum tissue. It might impact your overall health, too. Seek treatment for dental emergencies like tooth or gum abscesses.
You could develop an abscess near the root of a tooth or between your teeth and gums.
Look for a pimple-like swollen spot in these areas.
In the meantime, rinse your mouth with a mild water solution.
7. Persistent Bleeding
You could experience a little post-op pain or bleeding. However, the problem shouldn't persist beyond an hour. If you experience persistent bleeding, call your emergency dentist.
Place gauze against the area until your appointment.
Dental 911: 7 Common Dental Emergencies to Watch For
Dental emergencies can have a major impact on your oral and overall health. If these situations sound familiar, visit your dental office in Brewster, NY right away. Your emergency dentist can begin treatment before complications develop.
With their help, you can protect your smile from further harm.
Need immediate help with a dental emergency? We're here for you.
Contact our team today for all the care your smile will ever need.
