A dental emergency is any oral health issue that involves the teeth and their supporting tissues and requires urgent attention. Oral health is vital to our overall health. When you have an issue with your oral health, important things such as speaking, eating, drinking, and even smiling can be a challenge. At North Pointe Dental Clinic, we are happy to offer emergency dentistry in Country Hills.
Kinds of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can take on many forms, but here are some of the more common dental emergencies we see at our dental clinic.
#1. Pain
Pain is your body’s way of alerting you to a problem in the area that hurts. The amount of pain that one experiences determine how serious your dental emergency is. You may notice pain when biting down due to a cracked tooth or an abscess. It may help to use a cold compress on the area along with some pain relievers until you can get to a dentist near you.
#2. Abscessed Gums
An abscess indicates an infection in the teeth or gums. It may appear like a clear, red, or white pimple on your gums. You should never pop an abscess and should immediately visit a dentist to ensure that the infection is addressed before it can spread.
#3. Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth needs to be addressed within a half hour to be restored. Once a tooth has been knocked out, you need to find it right away. Only handle it by the crown and gently rinse it before placing it back in the socket. If you cannot correctly place it in the socket, place it in a shallow glass of milk to keep it moist until you can get help from a dentist in Country Hills.
#4. Bleeding
If you begin to bleed from your mouth, it may signify that you are suffering from periodontal disease. If you notice blood in your saliva, you need to seek emergency dentistry near you.
#5. Broken Tooth
While a slightly chipped tooth is not a dental emergency, a broken tooth can cause a fair amount of pain and bleeding. This requires an immediate trip to the dentist. Do not chew or bite down on the tooth before seeking help from a dentist.
#6. Soft Tissue Injury
Occasionally, the lips or tongue may be severely bitten or cut during an accident. The area should be gently cleaned with some water before visiting a dental clinic. Your dentist will examine your mouth to determine the extent of your injury and provide you with adequate treatment.
Steps to Take When Facing a Dental Emergency
If you are ever in the middle of a dental emergency, contact your dentist as soon as possible. They will advise you on how to look after yourself until you can get to the dental clinic. Here are some tips:
- Give your dentist as much information as you can concerning the emergency
- Use a cold compress to reduce inflammation and ease pain
- Take a pain reliever if necessary
- Rinse your mouth with clean water
As soon as you visit a dentist, they can provide you with the treatment and care you need to alleviate your pain and get you on your way to recovery.