When it comes to dental emergencies, time is of the essence. Delaying treatment can result in permanent damage and more costly, invasive procedures down the road. Before you seek emergency dental care, stay calm and assess the situation. Understand that there are many warning signs and symptoms of a dental emergency.
Loose Fillings
When dental fillings become loose, they can create small spaces around the tooth that allow bacteria to accumulate. This can lead to tooth decay, which is why a loose filling should never be ignored.
Loose fillings are often the result of wear and tear, tooth trauma, or chewing hard foods. However, other causes include grinding teeth, excessive pressure from bruxism, or using the teeth to open bottles and packages.
While most patients may not think that a loose filling is an emergency, it’s important to see the dentist as soon as possible. Not only will a filling that’s loose cause pain and discomfort, but it can also damage the nerves and blood supply in the tooth. The longer you wait to see the dentist, the more likely you will need a root canal or the tooth may have to be removed entirely. Emergency dental services can prevent these expensive procedures. They will also save you money in the long run by preventing further complications.
Toothache
A severe toothache could be a sign of a dental emergency. Throbbing pain that lasts over 12 hours, sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages, swelling around the tooth, and uncontrollable bleeding in the mouth may indicate the need for immediate treatment.
If left untreated, a persistent or severe toothache can lead to more serious issues like infections and abscesses that will not go away on their own. The best way to avoid complications caused by a toothache is to seek prompt care from an emergency dentist in NYC.
In addition to toothaches, other signs of a dental emergency include a knocked-out tooth from an accident or injury, severe or persistent bleeding in the mouth or gums, and unexplained swollen face, neck, or jaw. Knowing what types of oral health problems require urgent attention can help you know when to call an emergency dentist in NYC for immediate care.
Broken Tooth
A broken tooth is an emergency dental issue because it can cause severe pain and exposes nerve endings to bacteria that may lead to infection. Broken teeth can occur due to biting on hard objects, a blow to the face, or severe decay that weakens a tooth’s structure.
If a tooth breaks, it is important to save any broken pieces and rinse the mouth out with water. If bleeding occurs, apply pressure to the area with a piece of gauze or clean tissue paper for about 10 minutes until the blood stops. It is also a good idea to use an ice pack to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
You can prevent a broken tooth by wearing a mouthguard when participating in sports and avoiding chewing on hard items such as ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candies. It is also a good idea to schedule regular visits to the dentist and have preventive services such as tooth cleaning and fluoride treatments.
Infected Tooth
Tooth infections are emergencies because they can lead to serious complications in other parts of the body. An untreated tooth infection can result in a pus-filled abscess that ruptures and oozes out. This can cause a fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and jaw and general health problems like trouble breathing. In some cases, an infected tooth can even be fatal if bacteria from the abscess travel to the heart and brain.
Tooth infections can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene and getting regular dental checkups. Wearing mouthguards while playing sports, taking a break when chewing hard foods and not biting your lip and tongue are also helpful. Infected teeth can be treated at an emergency dental service and home remedies can help alleviate pain until you reach the dentist. Use a cold compress on your cheek or jaw to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter pain relievers. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can sterilize the area, and a light dab of clove oil can help numb the gums.