Emergency Dentistry

What is Emergency Dentistry?

Emergency dentistry is the urgent care given to dental patients who require immediate attention due to severe pain, trauma, or injury. It is a branch of dentistry that provides rapid diagnosis and treatment for various dental emergencies.

Who is Suitable for Emergency Dentistry?

Anyone who experiences severe dental pain or has injured their teeth, gums, or jaw may require emergency dentistry. If you are in doubt about whether your situation is an emergency or not, it's always best to seek professional advice.

What are the Benefits of Emergency Dentistry?

The benefits of emergency dentistry are numerous. For one, it provides immediate relief from severe dental pain, which can be unbearable and debilitating. It also ensures that any underlying dental problems are diagnosed and treated promptly, preventing them from worsening and causing more damage.

Additionally, emergency dentistry can help save damaged or knocked-out teeth, preventing the need for more extensive dental work down the line. It can also provide reassurance and peace of mind, knowing that professional help is available whenever needed.

What are the Types of Emergency Dentistry?

There are several types of emergency dentistry, depending on the severity and nature of the dental emergency. These include:

• Toothache Relief - for patients experiencing severe tooth pain, which an infection, cavity, or injury may cause.
• Dental Trauma - for patients with a dental injury, such as a chipped, cracked, or knocked-out tooth.
• Root Canal Therapy - for patients with infected or inflamed dental pulp, which can cause severe pain and require immediate treatment.
• Wisdom Teeth Extraction - for patients experiencing severe pain or infection caused by impacted wisdom teeth.
• Orthodontic Emergencies - for patients with broken braces, wires, or appliances, which can cause pain and discomfort.
• Gum Infections - for patients with severe gum infections or abscesses, which can cause pain, swelling, and fever.

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is a situation where you require immediate dental treatment to address a dental problem that is causing severe pain, discomfort, or bleeding. Dental emergencies can range from a broken tooth or lost filling to a severe toothache or gum infection.

Dental emergencies can happen at any time and can be caused by various factors such as accidents, sports injuries, and underlying dental conditions. Dental emergencies can lead to serious complications, including infection, tooth loss, and damage to adjacent teeth and gums if left untreated.

Not all dental problems require emergency treatment. Routine dental appointments are suitable for check-ups, cleanings, and non-urgent procedures.

However, if you experience severe pain, discomfort, or bleeding, you should seek immediate attention from an emergency dentist.

Severe Toothache

Toothache is one of the most common dental emergencies and can be caused by various factors, such as tooth decay, gum disease, a cracked tooth, or an abscess. Here are some steps you can take if you experience a toothache:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and dislodge any food particles.
• Gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any debris or plaque.
• Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen to alleviate the pain.
• Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks, as they can increase sensitivity and pain.
• Seek professional help from a dentist as soon as possible.

The dentist will examine your teeth and gums to determine the cause of the toothache and recommend the appropriate treatment. Depending on the cause, the treatment may include a filling, root canal therapy, or tooth extraction.

Broken Tooth

A broken tooth is a common dental emergency that can cause pain and discomfort. It can be caused by trauma to the face or mouth, biting down on hard objects, or weakened teeth due to decay or large fillings. Here are some steps you can take if you experience a broken tooth:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
• Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• Save any broken pieces of the tooth you can find, and place them in a container of milk or saliva.
• If the tooth is sharp or jagged, cover it with dental wax or sugarless gum to prevent it from cutting your mouth.
• Avoid biting down on the affected tooth and eat soft foods.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen to alleviate the pain.
• Seek professional help from an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

Depending on the severity of the break, the dentist may recommend different treatments, such as bonding, filling, or a crown. Sometimes, the tooth may need to be extracted if the damage is too severe.

Lost Filling or Crown

A lost filling or crown is a common dental emergency that can cause pain and discomfort. It can occur due to decay, trauma, or weakened teeth. Here are some steps you can take if you experience a lost filling or crown:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
• Save any pieces of the filling or crown that you can find.
• Apply dental cement or temporary filling material, which can be purchased at a drugstore, to the affected tooth to protect it from further damage.
• Avoid chewing on the affected tooth and eat soft foods.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen to alleviate the pain.
• Seek professional help from a dentist as soon as possible.

The dentist will examine the tooth and recommend appropriate treatment, such as a new filling or crown. Sometimes, the tooth may need to be extracted if the damage is too severe.

Dental Trauma

A blow to the face or mouth can cause dental trauma, such as a chipped, cracked, or knocked-out tooth. Try to find the broken pieces or the knocked-out tooth and preserve them in milk or saliva until you can see an emergency dentist.  Immediate treatment can help save your tooth or prevent further damage.

Broken or Loose Braces

A broken or loose bracket, wire, or appliance can cause pain, discomfort, and injury. Use orthodontic wax to cover the broken or loose bracket, wire, or band to prevent it from poking or cutting your mouth. If a wire is stuck in your cheek or tongue, use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push it away from your mouth.

See an emergency dentist immediately to fix the problem and prevent further complications.

Gum Infections

Gum infections or abscesses can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever.

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Avoid touching the infected area or popping the abscess, as it can spread the infection to other parts of your mouth.

An emergency dentist can drain the abscess, clean the infected area, and prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

Wisdom Teeth Problems

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and even damage to adjacent teeth. Apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Avoid hot or spicy foods, which can irritate the affected area.

An emergency dentist can extract the affected wisdom teeth and relieve pain and discomfort.

How to Prevent a Dental Emergency?

While dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, there are several preventive measures you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing a dental emergency. Here are some tips to prevent dental emergencies:

• Practise Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can also help prevent dental problems and catch any issues before they become emergencies.
• Wear Protective Gear: If you participate in contact sports or activities that could cause dental injury, wear a mouthguard or helmet to protect your teeth and mouth from trauma.
• Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Eating hard or sticky foods such as hard candy, popcorn, and ice can cause chips, cracks, or fractures in your teeth. Be mindful of the foods you eat and avoid biting down on hard objects.
• Don't Use Teeth as Tools: Using your teeth to open bottles, packages, or other objects can cause tooth fractures or even knock out teeth. Use scissors, a bottle opener, or other appropriate tools instead.
• Address Dental Problems Promptly: If you experience dental problems such as tooth pain, sensitivity, or bleeding gums, seek prompt treatment from your dentist. Early treatment can prevent dental problems from getting worse and causing emergencies.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help keep your mouth moist, reducing your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.

Following these tips can reduce your risk of experiencing a dental emergency. Remember to seek professional help if you experience dental problems or have concerns about your dental health.