Dental emergencies can happen at any moment, leaving anyone in pain and wanting for immediate relief from it. The common dental emergencies are toothache, chipped/broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth. One should be aware of how to handle these situations. If you ever face such situation, then you should rush towards an emergency dentist immediately.
What is an Emergency Dentist in Basingstoke?
An emergency dentist is one who is specialized in treating urgent dental issues that require immediate attention. Unlike private dentists, they are available for same-day or after-hours appointments to address severe pain, injuries, or infections. Emergency dentists are trained and have expertise to treat serious dental problems that cannot wait for an appointment. They often have gone through training in handling trauma and advanced pain management techniques, thus ensuring they can provide rapid and effective care.
What are the Common Dental Emergencies?
Toothache:
A toothache is an acute and severs pain in your teeth and it can significantly impact your daily routine. Common reasons of this sharp and persistent pain are tooth decay, abscesses, fractures, or gum disease. Ignoring this pain can lead to more health issues like infections spreading to surrounding tissues or even systemic health issues if bacteria enter the bloodstream. You can have over-the-counter pain relievers or home remedies like rinsing with salt water to get relief from this pain. However, these are temporary steps, and visiting an emergency dentist for evaluation and treatment is required for permanent relief. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene may prevent toothaches. If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a qualified emergency dentist to address the root cause promptly.
Chipped or Broken Tooth:
Chipped or broken tooth can be cause by accidents or biting hard objects. This usually happens when a part of the tooth’s structure is lost or damaged. For instance minor chips can be caused by when a small piece of the enamel breaks off or broken tooth that involve larger portions of the tooth and underlying structures. Understanding the structure of a tooth helps to comprehend the extent of such damage. The enamel is the outermost layer of teeth which is hard and protects the tooth from decay and damage. Beneath the enamel lies the dentin, which is less hard and more susceptible to damage. The innermost part, the pulp, contains nerves and blood vessels. Teeth can become chipped or broken in different situations such as trauma from physical injury due to accidents, falls, or collision while playing sports are some of the common reasons. In addition, biting down on hard objects like ice, hard candies, or even non-food items can exert excessive force on teeth such as opening bottles, or by using your teeth as tools can lead to chips or breaks.
Knocked-out Tooth:
A knocked-out tooth is a condition that occurs when a tooth is completely dislodged from its socket due to trauma or injury. The common causes of knocked-out teeth are collisions in sports, accidents, or falls. A knocked out tooth causes significant pain and bleeding as surrounding tissues, nerves, and blood vessels are damaged. Immediate action must be taken to increase the chances of successfully re-implanting the tooth. Start with locating the tooth, it should be handled carefully, touching only the crown (the part normally visible in the mouth) to avoid damaging the root. Rinse the tooth with saline or milk, and attempt to place it back into its socket. This can help preserve the tooth until you visit an emergency dentist. If reinsertion is not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or saline solution. Prompt dental treatment is required within an hour, as the likelihood of saving the tooth starts decreasing significantly after an hour. A dentist will assess the injury, clean the socket, and either re-implant the tooth or suggest possible treatments to restore oral health and function.
Lost Filling or Crown:
A lost filling or crown is also considered as a dental emergency, as it put the affected tooth at risk to further damage and decay. Fillings and crowns are used to restore teeth that have been affected by cavities, fractures, or damages. When filling or crown is lost, keep the area of that mouth clean and avoid eating from that side of the mouth. Temporary dental cement or dental wax can be used to cover the exposed area until a dentist can be seen. Vising an emergency dentist is required, as the dentist will evaluate the tooth, clean any debris, and either replace the lost filling or crown or provide a new one.
Bleeding Gums:
Bleeding gums are a common dental problem that indicates underlying oral issues. This condition happens when the gums are irritated or inflamed, due to plaque buildup along the gumline. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can harden into tartar if not removed through regular dental cleanings or maintaining oral hygiene. When plaque and tartar accumulate, they can cause gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums, especially during brushing or flossing. If you ignore gingivitis it can lead to periodontitis, a serious gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and other health complications. Maintaining good oral hygiene, attending regular dental check-ups and cleanings, may prevent and manage bleeding gums. If bleeding gums still persist, then seek professional dental advice to identify and treat the underlying dental issues.
Dental emergencies are unpredictable and can happen to anyone at any time. If you do encounter a dental emergency, visiting an emergency dentist can make all the difference in preserving your smile and maintaining your overall health.