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Four Facts About Dental Emergencies You Need to Know

June 1, 2021

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are with your dental hygiene, an emergency can occur and affect your teeth. Your teeth can get knocked out after a fall or get broken dental restorations that cause soft tissue injury. Regardless of how the accident occurs, getting immediate treatment is crucial to your dental health. It can determine if you get to keep your teeth or not.

Although visiting your dentist near you immediately is crucial, how you handle your teeth before and after the accident occurs matters a lot. It is vital to know what is a dental emergency and when to see an emergency dentist in Calgary.

1. Know the Difference Between Urgent and Non-Urgent Emergencies

Some dental accidents can cause pain, bleeding, and swelling and warrant the need to visit an emergency dentist near you. However, there is some accident that can affect the teeth and gums but are not severe. These emergencies need dental attention, yes, but they can wait until the next day or appointment.

Knowing the difference between the two can save you time and a trip to the dental clinic.

Urgent dental emergencies

An urgent dental emergency causes bleeding and pain, and if not addressed on time can cause complications to your oral and overall health. Some of the emergencies that need urgent dental care include:

  • Knocked teeth
  • Dental abscess. This is caused by bacterial infection and if not addressed on time, it can spread to the surrounding tissues and cause damage and inflammation.
  • Severe and persistent toothache that extends to the jaw and face, and interferes with your daily activities
  • Bleeding
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Broken dental restorations. When your dental bridges get damaged, they can affect the teeth underneath and cause tooth sensitivity.

Non-urgent dental emergencies

Dental emergencies that do not need immediate dental care are referred to as non-urgent emergencies. They may cause mild pain and gum bleeding, but they can be handled at home and wait for the next appointment. These include:

  • Minor cracks and chips
  • A dull toothache caused by food stuck between the teeth
  • Loosened veneers and crowns

2. Visiting the Dentist Immediately is Crucial

How long it takes for you to get to the emergency dental clinic matters a lot, especially if the accident causes your teeth to get avulsed. When your teeth get knocked out, it is advisable to visit the dentist within 45 to 60 minutes after the accident occurs. The chances of the dentist saving your teeth increase if the treatment is started early.

3. First Aid is Important in Preventing Complications

What you do after the accident occurs will determine if your teeth can be saved or not. It is vital to perform first aid to preserve your teeth and prevent any complications.

  • Try pushing the teeth back to the socket with the crown, if the teeth are partially knocked out. For completely avulsed teeth, pick them and preserve them in a milk solution. This will keep the ligaments and tissues intact and stop the tooth from dying.
  • Rinse your mouth with mild saltwater to get rid of any debris and dirt.
  • Bite a gauze pad to stop the bleeding
  • Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
  • Avoid taking pain medications without consulting the dentist because certain medications can make bleeding worse.

4. Prevention Plays a Vital Role

Although preventing dental emergencies is next to impossible, you can reduce the severity of the accident and also strengthen the teeth.

  • Have proper dental hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing. This will prevent tooth decay, gum infection, and dental abscess.
  • Get fluoride treatment every three, six, or twelve months depending on your risk of decay. Fluoride strengthens the enamel and makes it less prone to decay.
  • Wear mouthguards when playing contact sports or if you suffer from bruxism. The mouthguards protect the teeth and gums from direct impact and the pressure of grinding and clenching.
  • Get regular exams and cleanings to keep your teeth healthy and free of decay.

Take Action

Visit Meadows View Dental for assistance immediately a dental emergency occurs.

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