What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?

There are more dental crises than you would imagine. However, many dental difficulties are merely dental diseases and dental hygiene issues that have been neglected and result in tooth pain and inflammation rather than a dental emergency.

Most individuals are unaware that, if left untreated, dental issues can worsen with time. Knowing what constitutes a dental emergency and what does not is essential. Any condition where you fear your life is in danger qualifies as a dental emergency. Dental emergencies frequently present with bleeding, fractured jaws, lost fillings, and other symptoms.

Your teeth's health can at any time be affected by several different disorders and illnesses. While some dental issues can be categorized as minor, some are far more serious and must be treated by a dentist in Edgewater as soon as possible. Being familiar with dental emergencies and what to do if an accident requires quick dental care is vital.

What Classifies As a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies can be categorized in many different ways. You must be exhibiting symptoms that have the potential to seriously interfere with your life for your situation to be considered a dental emergency. You should seek professional help as soon as you can if you can prove that your situation qualifies as a dental emergency.

In general, any case involving excessive bleeding, facial bone injuries, and more can be categorized as a dental emergency. These symptoms must be reported to your neighborhood emergency department or dental professional as soon as possible. One thing to remember is that there are two primary categories for dental issues.

Compared to emergency dental services, urgent dental operations are less time-sensitive. Procedures for urgent dental treatment are just what they sound like—urgent. To categorize "what would be deemed a dental emergency?" you must deal with a grave emergency.

Immediate Action for a Dental Emergency

Calling your dentist for further instructions is the first thing you should do if you have a dental emergency. Many dental offices have an emergency number to contact your dentist after regular operating hours. Visit your local emergency department or an urgent care facility if you do not have a dentist.

Your DeLand dentist will treat you in their clinic for most dental emergencies. You should head straight to the emergency department for more severe injuries, like fractured facial bones.

Dental Emergencies that Need Immediate Attention

We recommend seeing a dentist as soon as possible for certain dental crises. However, given the current limits on dental treatment, we cannot. However, this can be challenging if stay-at-home orders are in effect and dentist offices are still closed. The following ailments are critical enough to need seeing an emergency dentist.

Severe Toothache

Severe pain and discomfort may indicate various health issues, such as tooth decay. Although most toothaches are easy to manage without emergency care, several symptoms, like swelling, call for immediate professional attention.

Aspirin and other medications should be avoided as contact with the affected gums might cause the tissue to burn. Alternatively, use a cold compress outside your cheek and make an emergency dental clinic call.

After the procedure, your dentist in South Daytona will instruct you to adopt and maintain a routine to avoid oral problems like tooth decay and cavities.

Bleeding

Too-vigorous brushing or a scrape or cut brought on by a piece of hard food can also result in bleeding gums. It might also be a sign of periodontitis or gingivitis. While not an emergency, these are grounds for alarm.

However, if the bleeding persists or is accompanied by swelling or toothache, it may indicate a more serious issue. Gum damage from severe periodontal disease can never be repaired. Thus, it needs to be checked out right away. A dentist or periodontist is the best person to assess the patient's level of urgency.

They may also bleed if gums have been cut or torn due to trauma. Sutures may be required to stop the bleeding and stop an infection. This kind of injury requires immediate attention.

Loose or Broken Teeth

Adults having loose teeth is abnormal and may be a sign of a dental emergency. They could be a symptom of an infected tooth or trauma like being smacked in the face. The patient's biting position and ability to chew may be impacted by tooth loss. To determine whether loose teeth can be preserved, a dentist should be consulted.

A cracked or fractured tooth may not always constitute a dental emergency. While it may not be attractive, it can probably wait unless it causes other problems. For instance, a sharp or jagged remaining tooth could cut into the gums and lips. Additionally, a fractured tooth can alter the bite's alignment, leading to jaw issues. Additionally, bacteria and infection can occur if a break extends too far into the tooth pulp.

The same is true for crowns and fillings that are damaged or missing. They may let dangerous bacteria enter the tooth's pulp, leading to more serious issues than they intended to address.

Dental Abscess

Abscesses are infected swellings that resemble pimples that develop around a tooth's root or in the space between your teeth and gums. A dangerous illness called an abscess can harm nearby teeth and surrounding tissue.

An untreated tooth infection can spread to nearby teeth or the jaw. In the worst situations, a bloodstream infection might result in death.

Until they see a dentist, patients can attempt cold packs, over-the-counter pain relievers, and analgesics for discomfort and fever at home. It will be necessary for the dentist to lance and drain the abscess; this procedure should not be done at home. Instead of waiting to visit a dentist, the patient should go to the emergency department if they have difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Broken or Lost Dental Orthodontics/ Dental Restoration

Sometimes, old orthodontics and dental restorations may dislodge and fall out. It is best to visit your dentist in Orange City for effective solutions.

Fillings and crowns help restore previously damaged teeth to their natural function and appearance. Therefore, it is essential to seek immediate professional treatment if you want to avoid reinfection and further dental infection. For a temporary fix while you wait for dental care in the emergency room, consider sticking a piece of sugarless gum inside the cavity. Meanwhile, you should use a zip-lock bag to store your crowns for carrying them to the dentist's clinic.

When it comes to orthodontics, like braces, these brackets and metal wires are tough. Although they are designed to protect against wear and tear, braces can still stick out and break. In that case, they poke your gums and cheeks, causing pain and discomfort.

In addition, braces sticking out can even slow down or reverse the teeth aligning process. While you can use your hands to push the orthodontic wires, scheduling an appointment with your dentist in Titusville is best.

Essentially, dental emergencies are injuries to your mouth, which may lead to bleeding, toothache, broken teeth/ bones/ restoration implants. Left untreated, dental emergencies may transform into severe issues, such as tooth mobility, mouth infection, and tooth loss. Seeking professional dental treatment is the key to avoiding further dental issues.

At Universal Smiles Dentistry, ensuring access to family-specific dental treatments is the goal. In our neighborhood clinics in Orange City, Titusville, Edgewater, and South Daytona, DeLand and Lady Lake (The Villages), we care for patients of all ages. A staff member will be pleased to set up a meeting if you get in touch with us.