Dental emergencies come in many shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, one trait that virtually all dental emergencies share is some serious discomfort. Today we’re looking at symptoms of various dental emergencies and what to do when they arise.
What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
Not all dental pain calls for emergency care. In fact, most cases of dental discomfort are not emergencies. There are, however, certain, often unmistakable signs that an individual is in need of an emergency dentist:
- Severe toothache
- Swelling of the gums or jaw
- Bleeding from the mouth or gums
- Loose tooth/teeth in adults
- Broken crown
- Loss of a tooth, whether due to impact or decay
Causes of Dental Emergencies and What Do To
- Severe toothache – Toothaches do not simply “run their course and go away.” Of course, not every toothache requires immediate attention. Most can be held at bay (until you can get to the dentist) with an icepack, a saltwater rinse, and over-the-counter pain medication. However, pain that’s sudden, severe, unrelenting, and unexplainable generally calls for emergency care.
- Swelling of the jawbone or gums – Swelling in the jawbone or gums or bleeding from the gums for no apparent reason are sure signs that emergency care is in order. These can be signs of infection or a dental abscess (pocket of pus around a tooth) that can cause tooth loss and spread to other parts of the body.
- Tooth loss – Whether due to trauma or untreated infection, tooth loss as an adult is not normal. Fortunately, immediate action in the event of tooth loss can help to save the tooth! In such an instance, one should:
- Pick up the tooth without touching the root
- Rinse it without scrubbing
- Replace the tooth in its socket in the gum or place it in a container of milk
- Get to an emergency dentist ASAP!
Emergency Dentist in Maryland
If you’re in the Pikeville, MD area and in need of an emergency dentist or simply want to be prepared “just in case,” dentist Dr. Mohit Virmani and his team at Naylors Court Dental are on hand to provide top-quality care in your time of need!