Dental emergencies are not always easy to predict and can happen at any time. Some of the most common include an injury with excessive bleeding, knocking a tooth out, or severe and unrelenting pain.
If your tooth is cracked, chipped or broken try to protect it with something like dental cement until you can get to an emergency dentist.
Toothaches
Most toothaches are a result of something minor like gum irritation or an infection. However, some toothaches are a sign of more severe problems that require immediate treatment. Putting off these issues can actually make them worse and cause more pain in the long run.
If you have a knocked out tooth, try to get it back in the socket and hold it there. If this isn’t possible, place the tooth in a small container of milk to preserve it until you can see an emergency dentist.
Tooth infections that are not treated can spread from the mouth to other parts of the body, leading to serious medical conditions like a fever or a heart attack. You should seek dental treatment as soon as you notice a toothache to prevent further complications. A toothache can be caused by a variety of things, including poor oral hygiene, cavities, or a dislodged filling. If left untreated, it can lead to severe and persistent pain.
Tooth Infections
Taking poor care of your teeth or suffering a mouth injury can lead to infections and abscesses. These are the worst of dental emergencies, and they need to be treated as soon as possible.
Infections can cause extreme pain and swelling, but there are home remedies you can use to manage the discomfort until you make it to your dentist appointment. Baking soda, for instance, can help to reduce bacteria that cause infection.
You can also try rinsing with salt water. To prepare this solution, mix a teaspoon of table salt with a cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth for a few minutes before spitting out. Using this solution can sterilize the area and prevent further infection. Lastly, over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen can ease your discomfort while you wait for an appointment. Make sure you have all the appropriate documentation ready, including your medical history, when you arrive for your appointment.
Broken Teeth
A broken tooth is more than just painful, it can also tarnish your smile. Even though teeth are extremely strong, they can still chip, crack, or fracture in certain situations. The best way to avoid a broken tooth is to practice preventative dental care by brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting the dentist for regular cleanings.
However, if you do suffer from a broken tooth, it is important to contact your Emergency Dentist in Columbus OH as soon as possible. Rinse your mouth with water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and take an over the counter pain reliever if necessary. If the broken tooth has jagged or sharp edges, cover them with sugarless gum or dental wax to avoid further damage.
A split tooth is a more serious issue and can only be treated by a dentist. If you can find the tooth fragment, try to place it back into its socket and if that isn’t possible, put it in a cup of milk or water until your appointment.
Tooth Extraction
Any damage to your teeth that requires immediate treatment qualifies as a dental emergency. This could include a cracked tooth, knocked-out tooth, or severe pain. Seeing an Emergency Dentist in Columbus OH is the best way to save your teeth and relieve your pain.
Typically, a dentist will administer local anesthesia to the area around the troublesome tooth. This will numb the area, allowing you to feel only pressure during the extraction. Once the tooth is numb, an elevator and dental forceps are used to loosen the tooth and pull it out. Surgical tooth extractions are sometimes necessary for impacted teeth or for removing a fractured tooth that has not yet fully erupted.
After a tooth is extracted, it will usually take 24 hours for the socket to form a blood clot. During this time, it is important to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as these may encourage bleeding. You should also bite down on a pad of gauze, applying constant and steady pressure, to help control the bleeding.