Most dental care can be done at your regular dentist on your schedule. However, some types of care need the immediate attention of an emergency dentist. Assessing the type and severity of your symptoms is the key to determining when you need emergency care. The faster you act, the better your outcome is likely to be, so you need to make the assessment quickly.
Dental emergencies involve trauma, discomfort, bleeding, severe pain, and other conditions that require immediate treatment. There are several types of common dental emergencies:
Broken or missing teeth or severe bleeding can be an obvious sign that you need to see an emergency dentist. Other symptoms may be more subtle.
Loose teeth are not normal for adults. If you have one or more teeth that feel loose, you need to see a dentist so you can avoid having the problem become worse.
Minor toothaches may resolve with homecare, but severe pain should be immediately investigated.
A swollen jaw can indicate a severe infection that may lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing and can cause a high fever.
Temporomandibular disorder affects the joint where the jaw connects with the skull, causing pain and popping. Not all symptoms of TMJ constitute a dental emergency, but if it causes your jaw becomes stuck in a position or its range of motion is severely decreased, you need to see an emergency dentist.
A metallic taste in your mouth is a sign that a filling may have cracked or become loose. It is a sign of a dental emergency if it is accompanied by severe pain.
Severe pain is a sign of a dental emergency, but so is a lack of feeling of any kind in your tooth. A tooth infection may cause severe pain at first, but when it reaches the nerves in the root of the tooth, it may cause numbness. A root canal may be necessary to save the tooth.
It is hard work for the body to fight off infection. A systemic symptom of many infections is fatigue, but if it is accompanied by oral symptoms, it strongly suggests that infection of a tooth or the gums may be behind it. Because many conditions can cause fatigue, you may want to see a dentist to confirm or rule out an oral infection.
If you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist's office immediately. If the office is closed, there is usually a voicemail message that provides a number to call for emergency care. If you are not able to get to a dentist immediately and you have severe pain, discomfort, or bleeding, go to an emergency room. You will probably still need to see a dentist, but the ER doctors can treat your pain and provide care for bleeding and other issues. Additionally, there are some steps you can take at home.
If you have broken or cracked a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress for swelling. Avoid applying ice directly to your skin and do not apply for more than 10 minutes at a time.
Try to put the tooth back in the socket, but do not touch the root. If you cannot put it in the socket, put it between your gum and cheek or in a container of milk. Apply a cold, wet compress if you are bleeding.
Swelling, fever, a sour taste, or trouble swallowing may indicate that you have an infection. Over-the-counter medications may reduce fever and pain.
Gums that bleed excessively may be an indication of periodontal disease. Over-the-counter medications may be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
If you have a severe laceration to your lips or tongue due to trauma or bites, gently clean the area with water. Use a cold compress to control bleeding.
Dental emergencies require immediate care from an emergency dentist. Patients can take steps at home to reduce pain, discomfort, and bleeding, but homecare should not replace dental care. Untreated emergencies can result in tooth loss and other problems.
Request an appointment here: https://www.everest-dental.com or call Everest Dental at (407) 695-7774 for an appointment in our Oviedo office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in Oviedo, FL.
While it is always a good idea to have an emergency dentist on call, individuals can avoid a dental emergency and all the pain, cost and hassle that comes with one by taking preventative measures. In many cases, this simply entails adopting healthy lifestyle habits.Dental emergencies, which range from toothache to fractured teeth to abscesses,…
A toothache can do more than cause you pain and swelling. A painful tooth means a possible infection that can cause fever, earache, and migraine. If left untreated, a toothache can cause serious complications to your health. Recurring tooth pain should be taken seriously and requires the attention of a dental professional.Dentists treat each case…
Patients who are dealing with severe dental issues may think they should go to the ER for emergency dental care. This, however, is often ill-advised, as it may not be helpful in providing the proper treatments needed and can result in other problems arising.The following are a couple of reasons why patients should not go…
Dental fillings are now more common and less invasive than ever before. Dental fillings can help repair teeth damage, but they do not always work in every situation. Here is an explanation of why one might need dental fillings and what to expect before and after the procedure.Tooth decay is the most common reason for…
Dental fillings are now more common and less invasive than ever before. Dental fillings can…
A root canal is a common procedure in saving one's natural tooth and is often…
Dental fillings are ideal for treating mild to moderate cavities. They are appropriate for patients…
Dental crowns are a common restorative treatment used to address various problems with the teeth.…
Dentures are ideal for improving your oral health and mouth function after you lose multiple…
Proper aftercare is a crucial part of the success of any procedure, including root canals.…
