Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
More than 40% of American adults have experienced mouth pain in the last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dental emergencies are a common occurrence and require prompt treatment to prevent long-term damage, alleviate severe pain, and address potentially serious health issues.
In this blog post, we will discuss what constitutes a dental emergency, common types of dental emergencies, and how to handle these situations effectively.
Table of Contents
- When Is Emergency Dental Care Necessary?
- Types of Dental Emergencies
- Prevent Dental Emergencies
- Your Emergency Dentist in Greeley, CO
Key Takeaway
Dental emergencies can range from minor to serious issues. Knowing what constitutes a dental emergency and how to handle these situations effectively is essential. If you experience symptoms or have concerns about your dental health, seek emergency dental care.
When Is Emergency Dental Care Necessary?
Understanding what constitutes a dental emergency can help you take the necessary steps to get the proper care when you need it most. Not all dental issues require immediate care.
Ask yourself these questions to decide if you need to see an emergency dentist:
- Do I have signs of infection? Infections in the mouth can escalate quickly and become serious.
- How much pain am I experiencing? Severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or discoloration can indicate a serious problem.
- Did my tooth come out? If a tooth or teeth come out, going to the dentist immediately may help save it.
- Do my teeth feel loose? If any of your teeth feel loose as an adult, it’s a serious issue. See a dentist immediately, even if there’s no pain.
- Are my gums bleeding? Bleeding gums are concerning and require urgent dental attention.
Types of Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency is an urgent dental problem that requires immediate attention and prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage or more severe health issues. Some of the most common types of dental emergencies include:
Severe Toothache
A dull or sharp toothache that persists for more than 1-2 days can indicate a serious issue like advanced tooth decay, nerve damage, or infection.
Symptoms:
- Extreme, persistent tooth pain
- Swelling around the tooth
- Sensitivity to temperature changes and pressure
What to do:
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage the pain. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, which can cause tissue damage. Schedule an appointment with your emergency dentist to identify and treat the underlying cause.
Broken or Fractured Teeth
Teeth that are cracked, chipped, or broken require immediate attention to prevent further damage. Cracks or breaks in a tooth can cause severe pain and expose the tooth’s nerve.
What to do:
Clean the area with warm water. You can reduce swelling by applying a cold compress on the outside of your mouth. Avoid chewing with the affected tooth, and contact your emergency dentist immediately for urgent care.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, time is of the essence. The quicker you see an emergency dentist, the better the chances the tooth can be saved.
What to do:
Don’t handle the tooth by the root. Instead, retrieve the knocked-out tooth by the crown, the part visible in the mouth, and gently rinse it with water. Place the tooth back in its socket if possible, or keep it in a cup of milk or your saliva until you can reach the dental office.
Tooth Abscess
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by an infection. It can form at the root of the tooth or in the gums and requires immediate attention to prevent the spread of infection.
Symptoms:
- Severe tooth pain and swelling
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Foul taste in the mouth due to pus
What to do:
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and apply a cold compress to alleviate swelling. Seek immediate dental care, as an abscess can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Your dentist may need to drain the abscess, prescribe antibiotics, or perform a root canal to eliminate the infection.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Injuries to the gums, cheeks, or tongue that result in persistent bleeding or severe pain need immediate evaluation.
What to do:
Clean the area with warm water and apply a piece of gauze to control bleeding. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Seek emergency dental care immediately if bleeding persists or the injury is severe.
Lost Dental Crown or Filling
Most of the time, a lost filling or crown is not considered a dental emergency, but if you are experiencing pain and sensitivity, it could be a sign something more urgent is going on.
What to do:
If a dental crown or filling falls out, keep the area clean and avoid chewing on the affected side. You can use dental cement from a drugstore to temporarily reattach the crown. Contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible for a permanent solution.
Severe Gum Disease
Severe gum disease, or periodontitis, can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
Symptoms:
- Swollen, red, and bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
What to do:
Seek prompt treatment from your dentist to address the dental infection and prevent further damage.
Prevent Dental Emergencies
Although it’s impossible to prevent all dental emergencies, taking certain precautions can reduce your risk of experiencing a dental emergency. These include:
- Maintaining good oral health with regular dental check-ups
- Wearing a mouthguard during sports activities
- Avoiding chewing on hard objects, like ice or pens
- Practicing good dental hygiene to prevent gum disease and tooth decay
Your Emergency Dentist in Greeley, CO
At Clearwater Dentistry, your oral health is our top priority.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact us now. We are here to help you!
- Phone: (970) 515-3550
- Address: 3110 67th Avenue Pl. Greeley, CO
We’ll schedule your appointment to assess and treat the issue as soon as possible. Along with dental emergencies, we offer complete dental services to keep you and your family happy and healthy.
Whether you need routine check-ups, cleanings, or more specialized dental care, Dr. Baughman is here to support your oral health needs. If you are searching for a ‘family dentist in Greeley, CO,’ contact Clearwater Dentistry.
