Understanding Dental Emergencies and What We Can Do For You
We know how frightening emergencies can be and how important it is to have someone to turn to if you are in such a situation. Prompt treatment is almost always necessary to alleviate the pain and ensure that the teeth have the best possible chance of survival.
Urgent fractures may occur, fillings, crowns, or other restorations may be damaged or completely fall out of the mouth. If there is severe pain, it is essential to contact our office and schedule a consultation with Dr. Florin Arhiri as soon as possible. Pain caused by dental emergencies almost always worsens without treatment, and untreated dental problems in a timely manner can make the situation worse.
What is considered a dental emergency?
We consider it a dental emergency when a patient tells us they are in pain, have swollen gums, bleeding, or possible pus coming from a tooth area.
When do I need to see an emergency dentist versus going to an emergency room versus scheduling a regular dental appointment?
A regular dental appointment can be scheduled any time for any kind of procedure. An emergency appointment is usually scheduled when the patient is in pain and has swollen gums, with possible bleeding or pus coming from different areas in the mouth.
Going to an emergency room would imply that the pain is severe and there is swelling throughout the face, requiring emergency treatment in a hospital.
What are common types of dental emergencies, and what can be done?
Common types of dental emergencies include toothaches caused by deep decay, fractures, cracked teeth, possible bone loss due to advanced gum disease, or accidents. Patients can break their teeth playing sports or being involved in other accidents. They should call their dentist and set up an appointment to address the emergency.
Teeth detached (tooth hit)
When a tooth falls out, the tissues, nerves, and blood vessels are affected. If it acts quickly and the tooth can be placed back in its alveoli within an hour, there is a chance that the tissues will grow to support the tooth again.
Here are the steps to follow in such situations:
- The first step is to call the dentist;
- Lift the crown tooth and rinse it under warm water. DO NOT touch the root;
- If possible, put it back in its place - if not, put it in the cheek bag;
- If the tooth cannot be put in the mouth, put the tooth in a cup of milk, saliva, or water as a last resort. It is important not to dry the tooth. It is important not to dry the tooth;
- Go to the dentist, quickly and safely.
The dentist will try to replace the tooth in its natural alveoli. In some cases, the tooth will reconnect, but if the internal mechanisms of the teeth are severely damaged, root canal therapy may be necessary.
Lost filling or crown
Usually, a crown or filling comes off while you eat. Once this happens, the affected tooth can be incredibly sensitive to changes in temperature and pressure. Crowns generally become weak as the tooth decays. Caries causes changes in the shape of the teeth, and thus the crown no longer fits.
If a crown has fallen out of your mouth, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Keep the crown in a cool, safe place, as there is a possibility that the dentist may reinsert it. If the crown is removed for a long time, the teeth may move or suffer more damage.
Here are some steps to take if you can't get to the dentist right away:
- Apply clove oil on the tooth to relieve pain;
- Clean the crown and fix it to the tooth with dental cement. (It can be purchased at your local pharmacy);
- If the crown is lost, grease the top of the tooth with dental cement to relieve the discomfort;
- DO NOT use any glue to secure the crown;
- Try to get to the dentist as soon as possible - The dentist will check the crown to see if it still fits. If it happens, it will be reattached. Where caries is observed, it will be treated and a new crown will be made.
Cracked or broken teeth
Teeth are strong, but can still be prone to fractures, cracks, and ruptures. Sometimes the fractures are painless, but if the crack is deep and extends down to the root, severe pain is likely to occur. Fractures, cracks, and tears can take many different forms, but are generally caused by trauma, sanding, and biting. If a tooth has been fractured or cracked, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
Here are some steps you can take to get to your dentist:
- Call your dentist and make an appointment;
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water and toothpaste;
- Apply sterile gauze to the area for ten minutes if there is bleeding;
- Put a cold, damp dish towel on your cheek to minimize swelling and pain;
- Cover the affected area with dental cement if there is no way to consult your dentist immediately;
- Take a topical painkiller.
The severity of the break or fracture will require action accordingly. If a fracture or fissure extends into the root, root canal therapy may be the only effective way to retain the tooth. In the event of a complete rupture, the dentist will usually apply the fragment back to the tooth as a temporary measure.
Dislodged/loose teeth
When a tooth has been dislocated or weakened from its alveoli by trauma or caries, there is still the possibility of it being saved. If the tooth remains in the mouth and is attached to the blood vessels and nerves, there is a good chance that root canal therapy will not be necessary.
It is important to call your dentist immediately to make an appointment. Meanwhile, use a cold compress and over-the-counter medications to relieve the pain. Once you get to the dentist, he will reposition the tooth and add splints to stabilize it. If the tooth does not heal, root canal therapy may be needed.
When do I need an emergency dental extraction?
An emergency dental extraction is needed when the patient is in pain, reports swelling, and the tooth is severely damaged due to advanced decay.
Why might I need an emergency root canal?
An emergency root canal is performed when a tooth with advanced decay can still be saved despite its deep decay and destruction.
Do you offer same-day care?
We at Premier Smiles offer same-day care for any of our patients or new patients who have an emergency.
Can I be seen on the weekends?
We do offer weekend appointments, usually on Saturdays.
At Premier Smiles, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (610) 553-3389 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.