You might already go to your dentist every few months for a regular check-up. But how do you know when you can call your dentist due to a dental emergency? What can be considered a dental emergency? Read on as a trusted emergency dentist from Danvers Aesthetic Family Dentistry shares more information:
Conditions or Instances That Require Dental Emergency Care
When you think of dental emergencies, you might think of a toothache or a cracked tooth. However, many other conditions can qualify as dental emergencies. If you are experiencing any of these, you should seek emergency dental care:
Severe Tooth Pain Not Alleviated by Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
Severe tooth pain can be highly debilitating. It can make it difficult to eat, drink, or even talk. Over-the-counter pain medication can help ease the pain, but it is not enough for some people.
If you suffer from severe tooth pain, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is crucial. Only an emergency dentist can determine the cause of the pain and provide the appropriate treatment.
A Tooth Has Been Knocked Out
This can be quite a terrifying and traumatic experience, but staying calm and following the proper steps is vital to ensure the best possible outcome.
First, try to locate the tooth. If you can find the lost tooth, pick it up by the crown (the white part) and avoid touching the root. If the tooth is a little dirty, gently rinse it with water but do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue. Once the tooth is clean, see if it can be inserted back into the socket. If so, gently push it back into place and hold it there by biting down on a soft object like gauze or a cloth. If the tooth cannot be inserted back into the socket, place it in a container with milk or water and take it with you to the dentist.
At the dentist, they will try to re-implant the tooth if it is still in good condition.
A Soft Tissue Injury (Gums, Cheeks, Etc.)
Injuries can be due to various things, including biting, chewing, and grinding on hard objects, playing contact sports, and accidental falls.
Symptoms of a soft tissue injury might include bleeding, swelling, bruising, and pain. If the injury is severe, it may also cause numbness, tingling, or weakness.
For more severe injuries, emergency treatment may be necessary. If you think you may have a soft tissue injury, you must see a dentist or doctor as soon as possible. These professionals can diagnose and treat your injury properly.
Bleeding Gums That Won’t Stop
If you have bleeding gums that won’t stop, you must see a dentist or periodontist as soon as possible. Bleeding gums can signify gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. If you ignore it, gingivitis can then progress to periodontitis – a more serious form of gum disease.
If you have one or more concerns about your oral health, be sure to see your dentist. They can assess your risk for gum disease and help you find the best way to protect your teeth and gums.
Conclusion
If you are still quite unsure whether or not you are experiencing a dental emergency, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional care. An emergency dentist in Danvers can assess your situation and provide the appropriate treatment.
Danvers Aesthetic Family Dentistry offers the services of a reliable emergency dentist in Danvers who can address your concerns right when you need it. Contact us today if you have a dental emergency!