Dental emergencies can be a daunting and unforeseen experience. Whether you have a chipped tooth, a painful abscess, or something more serious, you should know what to do to avoid panicking and enhance your treatment’s outcome. First and foremost, you must call your dentist immediately if you have an urgent oral problem. Also, understanding the basics of emergency dentistry can help you prepare for more serious issues.
Keep reading to learn more.
Most Common Dental Emergency Situations
The following are typical circumstances that require emergency dental care:
- Toothache or jaw pain
- Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
- Tooth trauma (knocked out)
- Major gum inflammation
- Dental abscess
- Serious bleeding
- Lost or harmed dental crowns, implants, or bridges
What Are the Procedures Involved in a Dental Emergency?
With a wide range of emergency dental services, here are some of the most common ones:
1. Tooth Extraction
Abscessed teeth can cause extreme tooth pain and may require immediate dental extraction. This dental procedure includes removing the tooth from its socket in the jawbone and other surrounding tissues. It is frequently done when a tooth has been badly damaged or rotted beyond repair or to remove an impacted wisdom tooth. You will receive local anesthesia so that you can remain comfortable during treatment.
After the procedure, they will recommend over-the-counter medications for pain relief and antibiotics if needed. In addition, proper aftercare directions should be followed to ensure a fast recovery and avoid infection.
In cases like these, having emergency dental facilities nearby is always a good idea. Their Edmonton emergency dentists are available 24/7 to address any dental situations you may have.
2. Root Canal
A root canal involves removing the pulp or nerve tissue inside a tooth. Your dentist may perform this if you have an infected or decayed tooth, which can help preserve and avoid further damage. They will make a small hole at the top of your tooth so they can clean and access the root canals before they are filled with dental material. The final step is sealing the access point with a crown or filling.
Root canal therapy can provide long-lasting relief from pain and discomfort caused by infection and improve oral health overall.
3. Jaw Pain Emergency Treatment
Jaw pain can be caused by TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), jaw fractures, etc. Depending on the cause, your dentist may prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and pain. They will also refer you to an oral surgeon for further examination if necessary. Surgery might be required in extreme cases of jaw fractures or misalignment. In addition, your dentist can provide splints or mouthguards to secure the jaw and teeth from more damage or injury.
You may read more on this page for additional information on how most dentists tackle jaw pain.
4. Dental Crowns, Bridges, and Implant Repair or Replacement
If your dental crowns, implants, or bridges are damaged, broken, chipped, or have become loose, your dentist may suggest replacing or repairing them as soon as possible. If not, an infection might occur and spread to other teeth, gums, and even your jawbone.
Fixing them may be possible if they’re not too severely damaged. They do this by reshaping the crown, implant, or bridge and bonding it with a special adhesive. If the damage is too serious for repair, your dentist will suggest replacing them to restore the full function of your teeth. This means you should repeat the same treatments as if you were getting them for the first time.
The Bottom Line
Dental emergencies can occur to anybody, anytime. But if you understand the basics of emergency dentistry and prepare for any situation, this helps you get the treatment you require safely and quickly. Contact your dentist right away for proper care and diagnosis if you experience a dental emergency.
