Emergency Dentist: Quick Guide For A Dental Emergency

To diagnose severe tooth pain effectively, an emergency dentist utilizes a thorough approach, which involves reviewing your medical and dental history, taking X-rays, and conducting a comprehensive physical examination.

During your exam, your dentist will check your tooth for cracks, decay, or damage caused by poor hygiene or past injuries. They will look at the affected tooth's outer layer (enamel) and the innermost part (root)..

Swelling and Inflammation

Trauma and injuries to teeth and gums can lead to swelling and inflammation.

If you don't get dental treatment, a problem can become very serious and even life-threatening.

It is essential to take immediate action when swelling and inflammation are present!

When a patient has a big swelling, they often need a tooth extraction or undergo a root canal.

Uncontrolled Bleeding

Uncontrolled bleeding is a dental emergency and possibly a medical emergency.

In addition to trauma, underlying systemic factors can cause bleeding.

If bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes, seek immediate emergency dental care.

Dentists who handle emergencies usually use cold compresses on the cheek area to manage discomfort and hemostatic gauze to control blood flow.

It is essential to know the reasons behind bleeding.

For example, bleeding can be caused by infections, intake of anticoagulant medicines, or certain health conditions. Knowing the reasoning behind bleeding will impact your treatment options.

Finding an Emergency Dentist Near You

Once you have determined that you are experiencing a dental emergency, the next step is to locate a skilled emergency dentist who can provide proper treatment.

That’s where we come in. Go to the location tab at the top of the page, and a list of dentists will appear.

What to Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit

Knowing what to expect during an emergency dental visit can alleviate stress and help with preparation.

A typical visit consists of three steps:

1. A preliminary evaluation

2. Immediate care

3. Post-treatment follow-up.

Each stage, including post-treatment follow-up, is crucial for effectively addressing your dental emergency and restoring your oral health.

Initial Assessment

Upon arrival at the emergency dental office, a thorough assessment will be conducted to determine the cause of your emergency.

In the picture below, the patient is getting started with an x-ray.

Your dentist will do a physical examination and diagnostic tests, including radiographs (X-rays), to identify decay, periapical abscesses (infections around the roots of your teeth), and bone loss.

They will use this information to create an appropriate treatment plan tailored specifically for you.

Your dentist will check adjacent teeth as contributing causes of pain and swelling.

Immediate Treatment

Once the initial evaluation is complete, treatment can begin.

Treatment often involves:

1. Filling cavities

2. Bonding cracked tooth

3. Recementing crowns

4. Root canal therapy

5. Incising & draining an infection

6. Splinting to support loose teeth

7. Reimplantation if a tooth has been dislodged or knocked out,

8. Extraction

9. Prescribing antibiotics and pain medication for infection.

10. Repairing a broken or fractured denture or partial denture

11. Recementing a tooth on a denture or partial denture

12. Stabilizing a loose dental implant

13. Setting and stabilizing a broken jaw

14. Reattaching or trimming an orthodontic wire

The list goes on. The above are the most common dental emergencies.

The main objectives of an emergency dentist are to stabilize and address any urgent dental concerns and provide prompt relief from pain.

If you are bleeding, your dentist will apply gauze or suture the affected area.

Placing a cold compress on the cheek will help alleviate discomfort.

Follow-Up Care

The final stage of an emergency dental visit usually includes follow-up care.

This aftercare is crucial for overseeing recovery, addressing potential complications, and reducing the chances of future dental problems.

It usually involves a scheduled check-up.

The type and seriousness of your dental issue will determine the number of follow-up appointments required. Occasionally, multiple follow-up visits are recommended to track progress and make any necessary modifications to treatment plans.

Tips for Preventing Dental Emergencies

While knowing how to handle a dental emergency is crucial, prevention should always be prioritized.

Prevention includes:

1. Regular dental checkups

2. Proper oral hygiene habits

3. A diet low in sugar and processed foods

4. When playing sports, wear a mouthguard.

Five Dangerous Words …

“Maybe it will go away!”

Other than a few things like a cold sore or canker sore, most dental problems will not go away on their own.

“Almost all big problems start out as little problems.

Little cavities that are simple to treat become big cavities and broken teeth.”

Regular dental checkups are crucial in maintaining optimal oral health and preventing unexpected dental emergencies.

Check-ups enable your dentist to detect early signs of tooth decay, plaque buildup, and other potential problems that could escalate into urgent situations if not addressed promptly.

Typically, it is recommended to schedule checkups twice annually.

Individuals with a higher risk of developing dental problems may need more frequent visits.

For example, if you have diabetes, it may be suggested that you have check-ups every three to four months, while those at lower risk can opt for yearly or bi-yearly checks as needed.

Proper Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene habits are an essential aspect of preventing dental emergencies.

1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice daily.

It’s super important to brush before going to bed.

2. Floss or use interdental cleaning tools as prescribed by your dentist.

3. Using a water pik / water flosser removes debris and lowers bacteria levels associated with dental problems.

Your dentist or dental hygienist will make appropriate suggestions.

Protective Gear for Sports

Sports-related dental injuries are a common occurrence.

USE A MOUTHGUARD!!!

Your dentist can help determine the best mouthguard for your situation.

Sometimes, custom mouthguards are the best solution for your situation. Ask your dentist.

If you purchase a mouthguard from a pharmacy, read the instructions, but consider the following three steps.

1. Apply pressure on the guard against the back molars.

2. Bite down firmly for 15-20 seconds.

3. Use your tongue against the roof of your mouth while sucking in to help achieve a snug fit.

Handling Dental Emergencies At Home

Temporary Pain Relief

Common over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin can alleviate tooth pain.

It is vital to adhere to the recommended dosages and avoid mixing medications without first speaking with your pharmacist.

If you have a cavity or abscess, etc.,

DO NOT! DO NOT!! DO NOT!!!

do not put an aspirin inside chipped or broken teeth.

Do not put an aspirin inside your cheek if you have a canker sore etc.

Aspirin is meant to be swallowed.

Placing it on a tooth or inside your cheek will cause a very painful ulcer.

Managing Swelling

You can alleviate pain and swelling at home by applying a cold compress over the affected region.

If you have had dental surgery, apply a cold compress.

This will help numb the area temporarily and provide relief from discomfort.

Doing this in short intervals of 10-15 minutes is best for optimal results.

Heat usually makes swellings worse.

Controlling Bleeding

In case of dental bleeding, here are some steps to follow.

1. Use a clean piece of gauze on the affected area.

2. Apply firm pressure for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.

3. Do not rinse your mouth with warm or water or cold water.

4. If a tooth has come out, put gauze over its socket and apply moderate pressure.

Immediate care should be sought if bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can the ER do for a tooth?

In dental emergencies, the emergency room can sometimes administer treatment to stabilize patients, control bleeding, and address fractures in teeth.

If you have the option, it is usually best to see a dentist.

What is the worst thing that can happen with a dental emergency?

YOU CAN DIE!

It is super rare that anyone would die from a dental emergency.

The reason people die from dental emergencies is because:

1. Their airways become blocked from swelling

2. An infection goes to their brain

3. Their blood becomes infected, and they develop an out-of-control septicemia.

In this day and age, this should never happen.

If you think you have a problem and are unsure, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Call or see a dentist.

If you are having uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain, or broken facial bones, seek immediate treatment to prevent complications.

Will insurance cover a dental emergency?

Most dental insurance plans cover emergency treatment.

However, it depends on the dental services you are having and the plan your employer purchased.

What if I do not have any dental insurance?

Many offices offer payment plans.

Call the office and ask if they offer any kind of payment plans.

Summary

In summary, whether you have a chip or crack in a tooth or a throbbing swelling, dental emergencies must be promptly addressed by a professional.

Identifying the warning signs of a dental emergency and understanding what to anticipate during such visits are crucial in effectively managing these situations.

Regular dentist visits, good oral hygiene, and protective gear during sports can lower the chance of dental emergencies.