11, May 2023
5 Most Common Dental Emergencies and How to Treat Them

Experiencing dental health conditions can be stressful. Aside from the difficulty of examining your own mouth, it’s also hard to know if the symptom you’re going through is a dental emergency, can wait several days for dental treatment, or can be treated by home remedies.

To answer these problems, we’ve prepared a list of common symptoms that require a professional’s attention for you to refer to as a guide.

Dental Emergencies That Require Immediate Treatment

Do you have swollen gums or face? Extreme pain in your teeth? Or knocked-out teeth? All these conditions indicate an emergency and require immediate dental care. Emergencies do not have a schedule and can occur when you least expect them.

So we’ve specified five common dental emergencies and how to address them in case you encounter any.

1. Tooth Sensitivity

If you feel painful sensations when biting into an ice cream cone or drinking hot beverages and foods, you are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Although not all tooth sensitivity indicates a dental emergency, it should be examined immediately to make sure no underlying conditions are causing it. In the meantime, use over-the-counter toothpaste to reduce the sensitivity while awaiting your dental appointment.

2. Broken or Lost Dental Restoration

Old restorations can sometimes fall out, especially if they’re past their intended lifespan or not maintained properly. If you have broken filling, temporarily cover the cavity with sugarless gum. If you have broken dental crowns or bridges, put the restoration in its place and see your dentist immediately. You can coat the inner surface with toothpaste or over-the-counter oral cement to keep it in position before heading for your restorative dental treatment.

3. Chips or Cracks

Cracks or chips in the teeth can happen through accidents, chewing on solid foods, or biting hard objects. People who grind and clench their teeth are also vulnerable to chipping or cracking teeth. If you have chipped teeth, try to recover the fragments if possible. Rinse and keep it in a glass of milk and bring it to your dental appointment. The dentist can bond them to the damaged area and easily repair minor chips. You may go here now for more details on comprehensive dental care.

4. Severe Toothache

Pain is often bad news, as it can signify a dental cavity. Although some toothaches can be managed without emergency treatment, signs like swelling need immediate attention. Taking aspirin, painkillers, or any medications that may get in contact with the gums must be avoided, as these may burn the tissue or only make the bleeding even worse. Instead, apply a cold compress outside your affected cheek and head to a nearby emergency dental center so treatment can begin immediately.

5. Knocked-Out or Loose Teeth

Knocked-out teeth are handled similarly to broken teeth. Jaws that experience a strong blow or trauma often cause the teeth to completely fall out or become loose. For cases like this, a visit to an emergency dentist in Duluth is necessary.

Final Thoughts

Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and knowing what to do during those situations can help preserve and maintain your oral health. Some painful symptoms might go away for a while, but this should never be a reason to postpone your dental consultation. When you experience any of the conditions mentioned above, seek dental treatment immediately to prevent worsening your situation.