Dental Emergencies 101: What They Are & How To Handle Them
Dental emergencies are any type of oral health problem requiring immediate dentist attention. They can be frightening and painful, but knowing what to do in the event of one can help you stay calm and get the treatment you need.
This guide will cover what dental emergencies are, how to identify them, and what to do to get the care you need.
1. Chipped Tooth
A chipped tooth is a severe dental issue that can cause pain, discomfort, and self-consciousness. Chipped teeth are most commonly caused by trauma to the mouth, whether from an accident or an injury. However, they can also be caused by teeth grinding (bruxism), biting your nails, or using your teeth to open packages. teeth that are already weakened by decay are also more susceptible to chipping.
The most obvious symptom of a chipped tooth is the visible chip in the tooth itself. However, you may also experience pain or sensitivity in the affected tooth, as well as bleeding or swelling in the gums.
The treatment for a chipped tooth will depend on the severity of the chip. For a small chip, your dentist may simply smooth out the rough edges. For a more significant chip, your dentist may recommend bonding, which involves bonding a tooth-colored resin to the damaged tooth. In some cases, a dental crown may be necessary.
2. Lost Tooth
When a tooth is lost, it can be a traumatic experience for both children and adults.
For children, the most common cause of a lost tooth is an injury. If a child falls and knocks out a tooth, it is important to take them to the dentist right away. The dentist can determine if the tooth can be saved or needs to be extracted. If the tooth can be saved, the dentist will take measures to ensure that it is properly anchored in place.
If a child loses a baby tooth, it is unnecessary to take them to the dentist immediately. However, it is vital to monitor the situation to ensure that the adult tooth underneath is not lost. If an adult tooth is lost, it must be replaced with a dental implant.
For adults, gum disease is the most common cause of a lost tooth. Gum disease is when the gums become inflamed and start to pull away from the teeth. This can eventually lead to the teeth becoming loose and falling out. If you have gum disease, it is crucial to schedule a dental consultation so that they can treat the condition and prevent further tooth loss.
3. Toothache
A toothache can be one of the most debilitating things that can happen to a person. The pain can be so intense that it can make it difficult to eat, drink, or even sleep. There are many different causes of toothaches, but they all share one common symptom: pain.
There are a few different ways to handle a toothache.
The first is to take over-the-counter pain medication. This can help to take the edge off of the pain, but it is not a cure. The second is to see a dentist. A dentist can help diagnose the toothache’s cause and provide a more permanent solution.
Final Thoughts
Dental emergencies can be very frightening and painful. However, it is important to remember that they are often not as severe as they seem. If you or someone you know experiences a dental emergency, the best thing to do is to stay calm and call a dentist or oral surgeon immediately.
If you need an emergency dentist in Southborough, give us a call at Southborough Dental Partners right away. Our team is more than ready to help you and avoid worsening your condition.
