Dental Emergencies: When to Visit an Emergency Dentist

An emergency dentist can provide quick relief for any urgent dental issue. But not all dental issues need immediate resolution. Knowing when to visit this dental care provider can give you the right type of care. Here are the details on when to see your emergency dentist.

An extruded tooth

This condition is also called a partially dislodged tooth. Pain is a common result of this dental emergency. The patient can apply a cold compress to the side of the affected tooth while driving to the emergency dentist’s clinic. An over-the-counter pain medication can help manage the discomfort until the patient arrives at the clinic.

A badly cracked tooth

Take the pieces of the tooth and place them in some milk. Use warm water to rinse the mouth. Placing a piece of gauze in the affected area for about 10 minutes can stop the bleeding. Apply a cold compress on the side of the painful tooth to relieve swelling and pain. See the emergency dentist right away.

Severe dental pain

Rinsing the mouth with warm water can help relieve the discomfort. Dental floss can remove any lodged pieces of food between teeth. Placing a cold compress on the painful and swollen side of the face can help provide relief. Seeing the emergency dentist right away can determine the cause of the pain and this can provide lasting relief.

A knocked-out tooth

It is ideal to find the tooth. Make sure to avoid touching the roots. Hold the tooth by its crown and use clean water to wash away any debris as gently as possible. Refrain from scrubbing the tooth.

Keep the tooth in some milk while driving to the emergency dentist. This will keep the tooth alive and moist. The dentist will then be able to re-plant the tooth back in its socket. The process must start within an hour from the tooth’s detachment.

Dental abscess

This urgent dental issue is a pimple-like infection that occurs around the root of a tooth. An abscess can damage the tooth and its surrounding tissue. Without immediate treatment, this could result in jaw or facial swelling. The infection could spread to other parts of the body as well.

See the emergency dentist right away. Before leaving for the clinic, rinse the mouth with a mild salt solution. This can help relieve the pain. It can also draw the pus to the surface of the gum tissue.

Severe injury to the soft tissues of the mouth

These soft tissues include lips, tongue, gums, and cheeks. Tissue damage often results in severe bleeding. Control the bleeding before seeing the emergency dentist. The following are some tips on how to keep the bleeding down:

• Hold a cold compress to the outer cheek of the affected area for about five minutes. Rinse the mouth with a saltwater solution.
• Use a caffeinated tea bag or a piece of gauze to apply some pressure to the bleeding area. Hold for 15 to 20 minutes. Go to the ER (emergency room) if the bleeding does not stop.

Damaged or lost dental restoration

Old dental restorations can dislodge, loosen, or crack. When this happens, use sugar-free gum or dental cement to cover the affected tooth. Regular gum will cause discomfort. Drive to the emergency dentist right away.

A damaged bridge or crown will need an emergency dentist’s immediate attention. Bring the restoration if found. Use dental cement to coat the inner surface of the tooth. Denture adhesive or toothpaste can help seal the tooth as well.

Preparing for the visit to an emergency dentist

Some dental issues do not need emergency treatment. Others do. It will help if the patient keeps an eye on the symptoms. The following steps can help the patient decide what to do:

• Assess the damage. The patient must compose oneself first and evaluate the extent of damage.
• Keep the whole tooth, restoration, or pieces of the tooth. Store the tooth or its pieces in some milk.
• Have someone drive the patient to the dentist and back home. This will ensure the patient’s health even after extensive treatment.
• Call the nearest emergency dentist in the area. Doing so will help the clinic prepare for the patient. It will also determine where the patient will be driven to right away.

An emergency dentist can relieve urgent dental issues at any time or day

Pain and bleeding are common signs that a dental issue needs urgent attention. The abovementioned occasions can help determine if you need to go to an emergency dental clinic. This can give you the right treatment and prevent any possible complications. Working with your emergency dentist will allow the solutions to last for a long time.

Request an appointment here: https://www.highlandsdentaldallas.com or call Highlands Family Dentistry at (214) 491-5362 for an appointment in our Dallas office.

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