Dental emergency pain has a way of showing up at the worst possible times. The tooth begins to throb on Friday night or during the weekend when a crown comes loose, or at night when the swelling starts. Such cases do not conveniently fall into regular office hours, and they do not wait for Monday morning appointments either. When considerable dental trouble arises, the course is plain—seek help immediately, or serious complications that could be avoided will arise.

Not all dental trouble requires emergency treatment, but certain conditions that may easily get involved will go on rapidly and cause serious trouble if neglected. Knowing which conditions will require immediate attention and which can be neglected will be a great help in bringing about the proper course of treatment when emergencies arise. The difference in acting quickly or delaying treatment may mean the difference between saving a tooth or losing it entirely, in some cases.

Recognizing True Dental Emergencies

Severe, persistent pain in the teeth, without relief by the use of some over-the-counter remedies, indicates a condition requiring professional treatment. In such cases, it is generally accompanied by infection of some character or nerve involvement, or some other serious trouble which will be made worse by the neglect of treatment. The pain in most cases is throbbing and often continues, it becomes worse upon pressure being applied, or it may radiate to the face or neck.

Swelling in the face, or about the jaw and gums indicates another condition which is promptly recognized and should be recognized as an emergency. Facial swelling indicates possibly a serious condition, which if neglected and treated, may spread to other portions of the body and cause serious trouble. If such swelling is accompanied by pain and general feverish symptoms, it would become a very serious condition, for these symptoms indicate the presence of a condition, possibly beginning a very dangerous form of infection.

Any knocked-out tooth requires immediate action if there is any chance for successful re-insertion. The first hour after the tooth is knocked out is the critical time— the longer the delay before getting the tooth replaced, the less the chances of saving it. Knocked-out permanent teeth that are cleanly broken from their sockets stand the best chance of being saved if they are properly handled and treated quickly.

Broken or fractured teeth may seem a minor matter, but the extent of damage is not always easily detected. A small chip in a tooth may mean nerve damage or it may be necessary to put the tooth in such a condition that it is open to infection. Large fractures extending below the gum line must receive immediate attention or complications will develop.

Residents who have dental emergencies find that getting Emergency Dentist in Cannington services for example, is very necessary when most dental clinics are closed. It is very important to have professional emergency dental service, so that a proper examination and treatment can be made when the time is of the utmost importance.

The Hidden Dangers of Waiting

Dental infections are not ever localized, if left alone. What may start as a tooth ache may spread to the surrounding tissues and form abscesses that may affect the jaw, the face and the neck. In extreme cases, if dental infections are left alone they may spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening conditions that require hospitalization.

Often the financial cost of delaying treatment will be much more than the expense of getting immediate treatment. A tooth that could be saved with prompt treatment may mean extraction and replacement if prompt treatment is not given. The cost of root canal treatment is much less than the cost of tooth extraction and of implant work or bridge work.

Pain relief is more difficult as dental troubles advance. It is obvious that a less severe treatment can be given in the early stages and better results obtained. Serious infections and a much greater amount of destruction, leave no choice but to use more extensive methods, with longer periods of recovery as a consequence.

What to Do While Looking for Emergency Treatment

The most severe pain will be benefited by taking an antibiotics course until the professional treatment can be gotten. Almost all cases of pain can be alleviated with the ordinary medicines used for this purpose, but they should never be used to hide serious conditions. Substitutes of cold compresses applied to the outside of the face will subdue swelling and induce some degree of pain relief.

Avoiding certain actions will prevent further injury of various kinds while the emergency treatment is held up. No aspirin should be placed on gum tissue in sore spots, as this will burn the gum tissue. No very hot or very cold foods, drinks, or other things that can be taken into the mouth should be used as these may aggravate the conditions which exist. Don’t remove teeth lying loose in the socket or anything that is lodged between the teeth without the advice of a dentist.

Different Types of Dental Emergencies

A dental abscess is one of the most serious dental emergencies because it is a matter of active infection. Such infections may be most readily propagated and may cause something serious in the way of swelling, fever and pain. Abscesses must have immediate professional drainage and antibiotic treatment or there may be serious complications.

Severe mouth and gum bleeding must have immediate attention, especially if it does not stop with direct pressure. Bleeding can be caused by trauma, advanced gum disease, or complications of previous dental work. If bleeding is profuse it could indicate damage to larger blood vessels which requires immediate medical attention.

Broken dental restorations create a situation in which tooth structure becomes vulnerable to further damage and infection. Lost fillings or crowns expose sensitive areas to irritation that could become extremely painful and prone to bacterial invasion. Temporary measures may relieve the pain, but they should not be delayed for professional repair.

Things stuck between teeth are not usually serious, but if attempts are made to remove them improperly, they can create serious problems. Sharp objects can cut the gums or be pushed deeper between the teeth causing more serious problems. Professional removals are the only way to guarantee that the removal is accomplished without additional trauma.

Sometimes Emergency Rooms Are Not Enough

Emergency rooms of hospitals may prescribe pain killers and antibiotics for dental emergencies but generally, they will not perform definitive dental treatment. Often, emergency room staff can take care of life-threatening infections and give temporary relief, but follow-up dental treatments are necessary for the dental procedures that will eliminate the causes of the dental emergency.

Most dental emergencies require special information and equipment that is not available in general medical practice. Root canal therapy, extractions, and complex repairs are procedures that require dental professionals who have received dental training and have special tools. The waiting for dental treatment after the continuance of emergency room procedures makes it possible for worse things to happen.

Prevention And Prepareness

Many dental emergencies may be prevented with the observance of regular dental care and preventive measures. Regular checks at the dentist show things before they require immediate attention, and preventive measures can prevent minor difficulties from developing into emergencies. Sports guards will save teeth in athletic events and a minimum of hard food will protect them from fractures.

An emergency plan will alleviate the stress and assure better results when dental emergencies happen. Know the names of dental offices which offer after hour’s service, have your emergency telephone list handy and a little knowledge of the first aids for dental injuries will keep one from panicking when dental catastrophes arise.

The secret to assuaging panic in dental emergencies is in recognizing when it requires immediate action and proper response. Not all dental emergencies require immediate care but those that do will have serious consequences in delay!