Emergency Dentistry FAQs: Everything You Need to Know 

Emergency Dentistry FAQs: Everything You Need to Know 

Mar 01, 2021

A dental emergency can strike at any time and cause pain, bleeding, and swelling, and it can be difficult to know what to do in any given situation. That’s why we provide emergency dentistry in Bradford, ON, to allow you to make a last-minute appointment in case of an emergency. In this post, we answer some common emergency dentistry questions to give you information on what to do.

What is a Dental Emergency?

A mouth emergency is any bruising or injury that affects the gums, teeth, lips, and soft tissues causing pain, bleeding and swelling. It is worth noting that a dental emergency can happen and not cause pain such as broken restorations.

Regardless of the severity of the problems, you need dental care because some of the problems can cause complications.

What Situations Need Urgent Treatment?

We have dental emergencies that require urgent treatment and they include:

  • Bleeding gums

While brushing vigorously with a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause the gums to bleed a bit, it is not usually a cause of concern. However, when you have persistent and unexplained bleeding, it could be because of gum disease. Periodontal disease is caused by a bacterial infection that affects the gums and causes gum pockets. Left untreated, the gum disease can affect the supporting bone and also cause decay.

  • Toothache

Your teeth can ache if you have food stuck in the gums. But, you can ease the discomfort by flossing and rinsing the mouth with salt water.

However, when the pain is severe and throbbing, you may have decay and tooth fracture. An emergency dental treatment can help ease the pain and also address the root cause.

  • Knocked-out teeth

Though our teeth are strong, they can get knocked out after a fall or accident. When the teeth are partially or completely knocked out you need urgent treatment to save the teeth from extraction. It is crucial to seek immediate treatment within an hour of the accident. This increases the chances of the dentist saving the teeth.

  • Dental abscess

A dental abscess is characterized by pus pockets on your gums. When you have a bacterial infection, it can spread to the soft tissues and cause inflammation. A dental abscess cannot clear without treatment and that is why you need urgent treatment. Remember, leaving the infection unattended can spread to the neck, head, and bloodstream and trigger widespread inflammation.

  • Broken dental restorations

Broken dental restorations like braces, bridges, and crowns are also dental emergencies. This is because bridges and crowns can expose the teeth underneath and cause tooth sensitivity. Broken braces can also cause bruising on the gums and lips. When the wires are protruding, put a cotton cloth to prevent pain. Visit the Newmarket emergency dentist immediately because these wires not only cause discomfort but also increases the chances of you swallowing the wires.

  • Swollen mouth

A bacterial infection can get into the jaw and cause swelling. It blocks the salivary glands and causes the fluid to accumulate. Also, it can affect the lymph nodes and the soft tissues causing pain and swelling.

What Can You Do to Ease Pain and Stop Bleeding?

Pain, bleeding, and swelling is common symptoms of a dental emergency. As you come to the dental clinic for treatment, you need to perform first aid to increase the chances of saving your teeth.

  • Rinse the mouth with warm salt water to remove the debris
  • Use ice packs to stop swelling
  • Bite a gauze pad to control the bleeding
  • If the teeth are partially knocked out, push the teeth back to the socket with the crown. For completely avulsed teeth, pick the teeth and place them in a milk solution to preserve them.

How to Avoid a Dental Emergency?

While dental accidents can occur at any time, there are things that you can do to reduce the severity. Here are some tips:

  • Wear a mouthguard when you are playing sports to protect your teeth. Also, get the customized mouthguards at night to shield the teeth from grinding and clenching.
  • Visit the dentist regularly for exams and cleaning to get rid of plaques and keep the teeth healthy.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinses, and get fluoride treatment to strengthen the teeth.

Take Action!

Visit Holland River Dental if you have pain, sensitivity, or bleeding for urgent treatment.

Call Now Book Now