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Dental Emergencies
Understanding True Dental Emergencies
Have you ever cracked a tooth on a glass or felt something constantly jabbing your gums or stuck between your teeth? These are just two of the ten most frequent dental crises that can seriously harm oral health if ignored.
Knowing what counts as a dental emergency is crucial to get quick care when needed. Accidents can happen to anyone at any time. If you’ve badly hurt a tooth, damaged a nerve, or lost a crown or filling that shields a tooth, you should call our Havelock dentist immediately.
You don’t want to risk more damage, and the best option is to get expert care from a skilled dentist who knows how to handle dental emergencies. If you have a late-night dental crisis and must wait a bit to see a dentist, knowing how to treat your injury at home is vital for your oral health.
Top 10 Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them
1. Cracked or Damaged Tooth: What to Do
This dental emergency can be extremely painful. Contact your dentist immediately. In the meantime, swish warm water in your mouth and, if possible, save the broken tooth piece. Apply a cold compress to the affected area while heading to the dental office for treatment.
2. TOOTH LOOSENED BY IMPACT
While painful, a loosened tooth is better than a knocked-out one. There’s hope for saving it. Take some pain relievers, apply ice to reduce swelling, and visit your dentist immediately. Quick action increases the chances of preserving your tooth and alleviating discomfort.
3. YOU BROKE OR LOST A CROWN OR FILLING
Losing a crown or filling can be unsettling. If you accidentally swallowed it, don’t worry – it’s unlikely to cause harm. However, if you still have the piece, keep it safe.
Your tooth might be sensitive to temperature and air. Try putting a bit of clove oil on the affected spot to ease discomfort. You can also buy temporary dental cement at a local drugstore to cover the exposed tooth.
Call your dentist right away for a check-up and treatment. Quick action will help manage pain and prevent further issues. Your dental health matters, so don’t put off getting the care you need.
4. ABRUPT SEVERE TOOTH PAIN
Dental discomfort can indicate various issues. Start by swishing warm water in your mouth. Then, carefully use floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped food particles. If the pain continues, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can properly diagnose and treat the underlying cause of your toothache.
5. FOOD DEBRIS CAUGHT BETWEEN TEETH
When food gets trapped between your teeth, it can cause discomfort and potentially lead to infection. Swift removal is crucial. Start by attempting to dislodge it with dental floss. If that’s too painful, consider using gentler tools like interdental brushes. Should these methods prove unsuccessful, seeking professional help from a dentist is advisable. Don’t ignore the issue; it could worsen over time and cause more serious dental problems.
6. Unexpected Mouth Swelling
Sudden swelling in your mouth needs quick attention. It could be a severe tooth abscess that needs a dentist’s care right away. A tooth abscess is a bad infection that can spread fast. Your mouth is close to essential parts like your brain, so waiting for help could be risky.
Don’t try to fix this at home. The best thing to do is call your dentist for an emergency visit. If you can’t reach your usual dentist, find an urgent dental clinic or go to the ER, especially if you have a fever or pain.
When your mouth swells suddenly, it’s always smart to play it safe and get expert medical help quickly.
7. Your Braces Are Damaged
If your braces break, act fast. Call your orthodontist right away for a quick visit. Got a broken wire? Try to gently move it back to ease the pain. If you can’t, put some dental wax on the sharp end until you see the doctor. If a band comes loose, keep it safe and book an appointment to fix or replace it. Quick, professional help is critical to keep your braces working well and avoid problems. Remember, don’t wait – get your broken braces checked as soon as possible to stay on track with your treatment.
8. Accidentally Biting Your Cheek or Tongue
Accidentally biting oneself while eating, chewing gum, or simply losing focus is a common occurrence that should not be taken seriously; however, in certain situations, it could turn serious. If you find yourself bleeding, the first step should always be to control it. Rinsing with warm salt water to cleanse the area can be helpful, followed by applying pressure with gauze wrap or bandages on any wounds that need it.
If the bleeding continues and you cannot find a dentist to see it, immediately visit an emergency room instead. Medical professionals will assess and treat any necessary injuries for optimal healing.
9. Dealing with a Jaw Injury
A damaged jawbone is miserable. Your options are limited – take some non-prescription pain relievers and apply ice until you can reach the emergency room for proper treatment.
10. WISDOM TEETH DISCOMFORT
Wisdom teeth discomfort is genuinely unpleasant. These molars emerge unpredictably and can cause significant issues. Impacted wisdom teeth are particularly troublesome; signs include sore gums in the affected area and potential halitosis. It’s crucial to consult a dentist promptly to address this problem and determine the best course of action.
How Can You Avoid Dental Emergencies?
While emergencies cannot always be prevented, you can take steps to lower the risks.
Utilize a Mouthguard:
For any contact sport, it is wise to wear a well-fitting mouthguard that protects your teeth as an extra measure. Take Care When Eating Certain Foods to be on the safe side.
Avoid chewing certain foods:
Keep away from ice, popcorn kernels, and sticky candies, as these can damage your teeth easily.
Make sure to maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily – doing this can ensure a healthier mouth and prevent cavities! Additionally, do not skip dentist visits; attend regularly if need be!
Have You Experienced a Dental Emergency in Havelock, Ontario?
Dental emergencies can be inconvenient and painful, making prompt care essential. If you’re in Havelock, Ontario, help is just a phone call away. At Horizon Family Dentistry, Dr. Vipin Grover and his team are dedicated to addressing dental emergencies and providing immediate relief from discomfort.
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It all starts with a phone call at Horizon Family Dentistry. When you call our Havelock Dental Clinic, our friendly staff will help you select an appointment time that is convenient for you and your family.
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75 Concession St., Box 540
Havelock, ON K0L 1Z0
7052433856
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Monday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed