A dental emergency is a problem involving the teeth, gums, lips, or mouth that needs prompt professional attention. Not every dental issue is urgent, but some signs suggest that you need specialist care. Here’s some information on emergency dentist and when to visit one:
Soft-tissue Injuries
Soft-tissue injuries affect the soft structures of the mouth, often happening after a fall, impact, or accidental bite. Some injuries are minor and improve with basic first aid, while others need emergency dental care. If the injury changes the way your teeth come together, a tooth or jaw injury may also be present. Signs that a soft-tissue injury needs medical attention include:
- Bleeding That Doesn’t Stop With Gentle Pressure
- Deep Cuts
- Swelling
- Moving the Mouth is Difficult
When you have a soft-tissue injury, you may also notice a flap of tissue, visible debris in a wound, or pain. Rinse the area gently with clean water, and use gauze or a clean cloth to apply light pressure if there is bleeding. A cold compress on the outside of your face can help limit swelling. A soft-tissue injury may also cause hidden dental damage, so visit an emergency dentist quickly for an evaluation and timely treatment.
Knocked-out Tooth
Knocked-out teeth often involve a permanent tooth that has been completely dislodged. The tooth, the socket, and the surrounding gum tissue are all commonly affected, but a dentist can determine what to do. After experiencing a trauma and losing a tooth, you may experience gum bleeding, swelling, and pain. If your tooth isn’t damaged, a specialist may be able to reinsert it into the socket.
A knocked-out baby tooth and a knocked-out permanent tooth are not handled in the same way, but when an oral injury occurs, you should contact a dentist. If the lost tooth is a permanent tooth, handle it by the crown rather than the root. If it appears dirty, rinse it briefly with water without scrubbing it, then place it into cow’s milk or a safe place to take with you. Avoid wrapping it in dry tissue or cleaning it with soap; seek emergency dental care as soon as possible.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Some chipped teeth may seem like minor injuries, but they often cause problems if left untreated. A chipped or broken tooth ranges from a small surface defect to a large fracture that exposes deeper tooth structures. A minor chip is often mostly cosmetic, while a larger break can interfere with chewing, speech, or comfort. Some common signs that you need urgent dental care for a chipped tooth include:
- Having a Large Missing Piece
- Having Sharp Edges
- Seeing Visible Pink or Red Tissue
- Experiencing Tooth Sensitivity
You may also notice pain when biting down or swelling around the tooth. If the fracture follows trauma to the face, check for additional bleeding or changes in your bite, then contact a specialist.
Visit an Emergency Dentist
Emergency dental care is appropriate when you have uncontrolled bleeding, a knocked-out permanent tooth, a large crack or break, significant swelling, or tooth pain. Many injuries are handled by an emergency dentist, but they may recommend emergency room care for certain severe situations. When experiencing a dental emergency, contact an emergency dental office and describe your situation. They can direct you to the appropriate level of care.
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