What Qualifies As Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is just like any other medical emergency. Our Mississauga dentistry is here to help with pain or discomfort, it is important to pay attention to the issue. While something as simple as a toothache may seem like a major issue, it can be the sign of something more pressing. Leaving dental problems to get worse can end up leading to dangerous complications.
A dental emergency can be many different things. Any issues with the mouth or teeth are considered a dental emergency. Examples of dental emergencies include:
- Painful toothache
- Fractured or broken teeth
- Missing/lost teeth
- Gum injuries
- Painful gums
- Sports injuries
- Mouth trauma from accidents
The different tooth and gum problems faced can be caused for many different reasons. Sports injuries, car accident injuries, and other problems can end up causing rather visible injuries to the mouth. Knocked out teeth and broken teeth are definite dental emergencies requiring attention as quickly as possible.
If you are experiencing excruciating pain around the teeth or gums, but do not see a visible injury, there is still a dental emergency. Problems can end up worsening and leading to other consequences if left to get worse. Pain is an indication of problem, even if the issue cannot be seen at the surface. A dentist would be able to assess the problem and recognize the dental procedure necessary to alleviate the problem.
A chipped tooth or small tooth fracture can generally wait until the dentist opens for regular business hours. Obviously, if there is a severe crack, emergency dental attention is required. Tissue injuries are also considered emergency dental problems. The cheeks and the tongue both qualify as dental. Any tissue injured in this region can be considered a dental emergency.
Tips for Dental Emergencies:
If you have lost a tooth, be very careful not to swallow the tooth. If possible, keep the tooth and keep it in a container or milk or your saliva.
If unsure about the urgency of your problem, call your dentist and ask questions first. If your dentist sees the problem as a true emergency, there is likely a window of time available to come in right away.
If you do not know where to go for emergency dental assistance, call your dentist. If the dental office is closed, listen to the answering service for emergency information.
With a dental emergency, try to remain prepared. Keep a dental first aid kid, just as you would for other medical problems. This first aid kit should include items like: gauze, Tylenol, a small container for teeth, dentist information, and a handkerchief.
Have a financial plan ahead in place in case of dental emergencies. This can include a dental insurance or other alternative option.
Questions to Ask to Decipher If a Dental Emergency:
How serious is the pain?
Is the mouth bleeding?
Has their been an impact to cause the injury?
Is there swelling in or around the mouth?
Are there any bulges in the gums?
Are teeth missing?
Are any teeth loose?