Medical emergencies are never welcomed. And they always seem to come at the worst times.
Since you might not be able to be seen right away for your dental emergency, let’s look at some of the most common problems that may arise. We’ll also look at how to prevent these problems and measures you can take at home to alleviate some discomfort until you can get in for an appointment.
Toothache
A toothache is by far the most common dental emergency. The source of a toothache can be from a number of causes. It can be anything from a cavity, a gum infection, or can sometimes not even be tooth-related. Individuals who have the habit of grinding or clenching their teeth are also at risk for toothaches.
The best way to prevent a toothache is to visit your dentist regularly. This will allow him/her to assess your dental health and create a treatment plan for any emerging issues. If you have a cavity, this will enable you to get it filled before it grows larger. If you have problems with your gums, you can get a referral to a periodontist. Whatever the issue is, your dentist can stop the pain before it starts.
Should you experience issues during an after-hours situation, use over-the-counter pain medications and oral gels for relief until you can get in for an appointment. The exception to that would be an abscess or if you have severe swelling, as these situations could cause additional problems quickly. A visit to the ER or Urgent Care center can provide you with antibiotics that will help until you can get in to see your dentist.
Loss of a filling
Fillings are not foolproof. They can sometimes become loose or fall out. Typically, a lost filling occurs when a cavity forms around or under the filling or if your tooth/filling chips from grinding your teeth or eating something hard. Some people get lucky and don’t experience a great deal of pain when a filling comes out. However, many people will feel sensitivity where the filling is lost because the inner structures of the tooth become exposed.
Like with most dental issues, this can be prevented by having regular dental checkups. During those visits, your dentist can help you get protective gear for your teeth (if you play sports), spot problem-causing bacteria, and check to see if your fillings are secure. It’s always better to prevent an issue than treating it after the fact.
Should you experience the loss of a filling, here are some things you can do to minimize the discomfort until you get in for an appointment. Take care to avoid food and drinks that are extremely hot or extremely cold. Extreme temperatures can irritate any exposed dental tissues. Some people benefit from temporary dental cements available in stores or sugar-free gum to provide a covering for the hole in your tooth.
Having A Tooth Knocked Out Or Cracked
Cracked and loose teeth can happen for a multitude of reasons. You could be in a car accident, or you could suffer this type of injury while playing sports. For this reason, a mouth guard should always be worn during contact sports. If you do have a tooth completely knocked out, you have to act fast to increase the chances of saving that tooth!
If the tooth is chipped or cracked, make sure you save any pieces you find, as the dentist may be able to use these for reconstruction. Head to the dentist as soon as possible because your tooth could also be loose from the impact. If the tooth was knocked out, pick it up by the chewing surface. DO NOT touch the roots! Wash the tooth off and place it back in the socket, if possible. If not, place the tooth in some milk and head to the dentist or the ER. Place gauze on the socket to absorb the blood.
Emergency Dentist in Fairview TX
A dental emergency is no fun. Preventive care is critical in preventing emergency situations. For those that can’t be avoided, follow the tips in this article to minimize the issue. If you do have a dental emergency, we’re here to help. Call our office (972) 468-1440 and let us know what’s going on, and if needed, we can schedule a same-day appointment so you may seek treametment as soon as you can.