A dental emergency is a time-sensitive issue that requires prompt treatment. Failure to seek care could result in permanent damage, or even the loss of a tooth. While some dental emergencies can wait until Century Stone dentist is available, a number of them require immediate attention.
Knowing what constitutes a dental emergency and when it is important can save you time and money. It can also help you avoid dental disasters that might otherwise threaten your health and appearance.
Toothache Pain and Swelling
A severe or persistent toothache may be a symptom of an infection or other serious condition, such as a cracked or broken tooth or exposed roots. In addition to providing immediate pain relief, emergency dentistry can restore and protect these vulnerable areas.
Tooth Fractures and Cracks
Rough play, sports activities, car accidents, or even just biting down on hard foods can cause teeth to chip, crack, or break. A chipped tooth is not a dental emergency, but an untreated crack or fracture can lead to further damage and pain. An untreated cavity can also develop into a tooth abscess, which must be treated immediately to avoid potential complications, such as jawbone damage or bone decay.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Trauma or accidents can also cause injuries to the tongue, gums, cheeks, or lips, resulting in excessive bleeding and discomfort. Injuries to these areas can also become infected, requiring antibiotics and other treatment.
Knocked-Out Teeth
A knocked-out tooth can be reattached with quick treatment. To do so, however, the tooth must be handled carefully to minimize damage. Pick up the tooth by the crown, rinse it gently with water (but not soap) to clean it, and if possible, place it back in its socket. If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or a tooth-preservation solution to keep it moist and increase its chances of being saved.
Lost or Loose Restorations
Accidents and injuries can also dislodge dental fillings, bridges, crowns, and veneers. This not only causes pain and discomfort, but also exposes the underlying teeth to damage and bacteria. Emergency dentists are trained to provide immediate treatment to alleviate pain, repair the damaged area, and provide guidance for follow-up care to promote healing.
Emergency dentists are fully qualified dental professionals with the experience and infrastructure to assess and treat time-sensitive issues. In addition to providing pain relief, they can perform a variety of procedures to address the root cause of the problem, including filling a cavity, repairing a fractured tooth, re-implanting a knocked out tooth, draining an abscess, and more. In many cases, these treatments can be performed at the same time to minimize downtime and ensure that your teeth are protected.
Century Stone Dental
684 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8M 1K5
Telephone: (905) 545-4833
centurystonedental.com
Email: info@centurystonedental.com
