The thing about emergencies is that you never know when one might arise. And sometimes, it can be tough to determine what counts as an emergency and what doesn’t, especially when it comes to teeth-related matters.
So, how does one tell the difference between a serious case and a minor injury? What is considered a true dental emergency? To find out, keep on reading this blog.
What Is Considered A Dental Emergency?
Whenever a dental situation arises that needs immediate care and attention, it’s labeled as a dental emergency. And although it might seem like all dental issues require urgent care, that’s not exactly true. Some cases are far more severe than others.
For instance, a broken jawbone is much more serious than a slightly chipped tooth. Similarly, if there’s excessive bleeding in your mouth or extreme pain, and it doesn’t seem to stop even with medicines, then that is also considered a dental emergency.
7 Common Dental Emergencies
No matter what the case is, you should not take dental emergencies lightly. Your dentist will usually take care of most injuries, such as a broken tooth or a misplaced crown. However, if you think your jaw is broken or you suffered from dental trauma, it’s best to rush to the emergency room.
Nevertheless, when it comes to identifying what truly counts as a dental emergency, you can keep your eyes peeled for the following instances:
- Extreme Tooth Pain
There’s no doubt that toothache can shake you to your core. It can have you jump around in pain, clutching your jaw from the severity of it. Thus, in order to ease the pain, you can try over-the-counter pain relievers. If that doesn’t work, try rinsing your mouth with a lukewarm saltwater solution. However, if the pain still remains, it’s best to get it checked out immediately. - Fractured Tooth
A fractured tooth can be extremely dangerous, whether caused by a fall or an accidental injury. It can usually be identified by a hairline crack running across the tooth’s surface. If not properly treated, a fractured tooth can split open and fall apart. This is why urgent attention is usually required. - Dental Abscess
When an area in your mouth swells up and is followed by a small pus pocket, that’s a sign you need to get it treated as soon as possible. A dental abscess is not just an emergency but also quite dangerous. This is because if left untreated, a dental abscess can travel to other parts of your mouth, causing further dental complications. - Broken Tooth
If your tooth breaks off in half, it’s a clear sign you need to rush to rush over to your dentist immediately. Sometimes, a broken tooth might not hurt; however, it’s still considered a serious dental risk to leave it as it is. Food might get stuck in the tooth, or bacteria might build up over time, leading to a serious dental infection. - Fallen Cavity
Some people consider a cavity falling out pretty normal. But it’s best not to leave it untreated for long. Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. Otherwise, it could worsen the condition, leading to tooth decay and other such problems. - Lost or Misplaced Dental Crown
Even though you can go for quite a few weeks after losing a crown, it is advised not to do so. This is because exposing your damaged tooth to external stimuli can give way to serious dental issues. Make sure to get it replaced at once. - Oral Injury
A dental emergency isn’t just restricted to your teeth. Bleeding in your tongue, cheeks, lips, or gums is also considered to be a red flag. Any oral injury that causes you endless pain and doesn’t go away with medication needs to be reviewed by a dentist instantly.
Final Word
There are various conditions that can be considered dental emergencies. From a broken tooth to a fallen cavity to severe toothache, some cases are more in need of immediate attention than others.
If you’re suffering from either of the abovementioned instances, head to Smile Time Dental at 10185 Westview Dr, Houston, TX 77043, near M&I Beauty Salon. For more information, dial (281) 245-0711.