Regular oral care can prevent most dental emergencies, including teeth cleanings and checkups. However, unavoidable accidents can happen.
Emergency Dental Las Vegas can greatly help during a dental emergency. But when they do occur, knowing what to do can mean the difference between saving a tooth and losing it.
When a toothache occurs, it is usually a sign of a dental issue that needs to be addressed. While some toothaches are minor and can be treated at home, others need emergency dental treatment.
A toothache that is accompanied by pain, fever, and/or swelling in the mouth, gums, neck or head may indicate a serious dental problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Infections that are not treated quickly can spread to the bone and other structures in the head or face and lead to a life-threatening situation.
Infections that are not treated quickly can also lead to a condition known as a dental abscess. This is a pocket of pus that forms around the infection and can be very painful. It is also likely to cause a headache, fever and sore throat. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the brain and other tissues in the head and neck, causing a variety of symptoms including difficulty breathing.
A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Attempting to put the tooth back in place without professional help can lead to complications including a jaw fracture, excessive bleeding and permanent damage to the tooth root.
Tooth pain that persists, or is accompanied by other symptoms of a dental emergency such as a fever, a sore throat, swollen neck and/or sinuses, a bad taste in the mouth or foul breath could be a sign of an untreated cavity or infection that can lead to severe dental and medical problems. Seeking emergency care with a dentist prevents the infection or cracked tooth from getting worse and also provides you with treatment to ease your pain.
While it is important to call a dentist when you have a dental emergency, it is also helpful to know when you should go to the ER instead. ER staff can help ease your pain and provide other treatment such as antibiotics. However, a trip to the ER should only be used when needed, as it is important to keep ER beds available for those patients in need of life-saving care.
If a tooth is knocked out, this is considered a dental emergency. Fortunately, it is often possible for dentists to re-implant teeth that have been knocked out. However, the first step is to find and retrieve the lost tooth. If a tooth is found, it is important not to touch the root end of the tooth. This can cause more damage than is already done. Instead, people should pick up the tooth by its crown or chewing surface.
If it is a permanent tooth, then the next step is to place it back into its socket. A dentist will typically use a special bonding material to help the tooth stay in its socket. This can also involve placing a composite splint to help stabilize the tooth. In some cases, it may be possible for a person to re-insert their own knocked out tooth. However, it is best to seek professional dental care as soon as possible for the best results.
It is important to note that knocked-out baby teeth are not usually reimplanted because it can interfere with the growth and development of adult teeth. Leaving a knocked-out tooth untreated should never be an option, as it can have serious consequences, including the remaining teeth shifting out of their proper position.
Knocked-out teeth can be caused by sports, accidents, or injuries. However, it is often preventable with regular visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings. It is also important for people to practice good oral hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing regularly.
While no one wants to think about a trip to the emergency dental clinic, this is an unfortunate reality that many people have to face. Fortunately, most people are able to minimize their trips to the emergency dentist by being prepared for dental emergencies. In addition, by following a few basic tips, most people can increase their chances of preserving a knocked-out tooth and saving it from being lost altogether. If you do have an emergency, be sure to visit an experienced emergency dental provider.
Sometimes, a dental problem becomes so bad that it needs to be treated right away. This type of emergency is different from a routine issue that can wait a few hours or days for assistance, and is instead considered life-threatening. Common examples of this type of problem include uncontrollable bleeding, trauma involving facial bones, and serious dental infections that cause swelling in the soft tissues in the mouth or jaw.
If you have a swollen jaw, call an emergency dentist as soon as possible. This is because it could be a sign of a serious infection, such as an abscessed tooth. Dental abscesses are a bacterial infection that causes a pocket of pus to build up in various tooth regions. The most common types of abscesses include periapical abscess, periodontal abscess and gingival abscess. All of these kinds of dental emergencies are severe and require immediate treatment from an emergency dentist.
A swollen jaw can also be a sign of a viral infection, such as the measles or mumps. These are highly contagious, and can be accompanied by fever, headaches or soreness in the face or neck. Swollen jaws can also indicate a head injury, such as from a blow to the jaw or face. In these cases, it’s best to seek emergency medical care in addition to your dentist.
While emergency room doctors are skilled in treating health emergencies, they’re not trained to treat dental issues. They may be able to help ease the pain and swelling, but they won’t be able to solve the root cause of the problem. This is why it’s important to contact an emergency dentist as soon as you have a dental emergency, so they can provide proper treatment and get you back to your normal life. They can even give you medications to help manage your pain until you’re able to see your regular dentist. For example, they can give you a prescription for antibiotics to help fight off any bacterial infections and keep the pain at bay until you can be seen for a more thorough treatment.
If your teeth feel more sensitive than usual, it may be due to an exposed tooth nerve. Typically, the root of your tooth is covered by cementum, which protects it from bacteria and acid that could cause cavities. When the root becomes exposed, however, it can lead to extreme pain and sensitivity in your mouth. If you experience this symptom, schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist right away.
The exposed nerve will respond to hot or cold foods and drinks, sugary snacks, and even air by triggering excruciating pain in your mouth. This pain will be felt throughout your jaw, face, and head. It’s often described as sharp, shooting, or throbbing and can be difficult to ignore for long.
There are several conditions that can lead to the root of a tooth becoming exposed. These include cracked teeth, chipped teeth, and gum disease. These issues can all leave the roots of a tooth vulnerable to damage, which will ultimately result in an exposed tooth nerve. In some cases, the tooth nerve can also become exposed when a filling falls out or is removed during a dental procedure.
While these aren’t the only causes of an exposed tooth nerve, they are some of the most common. Other conditions that can lead to this symptom include trauma to the mouth or jaw, chewing hard foods, or a genetic abnormality.
As with most dental emergencies, prevention is key. Practicing good oral hygiene habits, visiting your dentist regularly, and avoiding bad behaviors like smoking can all help you keep your teeth healthy and avoid a dental emergency.
While the most serious types of dental emergencies are those involving severe pain or loss of a tooth, there are other symptoms that indicate a problem that needs immediate attention. Increased sensitivity, for example, is one of the best indicators that you need to visit your emergency dentist immediately. Make sure to contact your nearest Lighthouse Dental clinic as soon as possible to set up your consultation and get the relief you deserve.