Dental Emergency
Table of Contents
A dental emergency is any dental problem that needs immediate attention to stop severe pain, ongoing tissue bleeding, or infection. These issues can happen suddenly and often involve symptoms that cannot wait for regular dental appointments like intolerable pain levels, swelling, and in some instances, fever.
Dental emergencies are serious and can happen to anyone at any time, day or night. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent further complications and to ensure the best possible outcome.
But how do we know which dental problems are emergencies?
High Level Dental Emergencies
Uncontrolled bleeding
One major dental emergency is an uncontrolled bleeding. For instance, it can happen because of injuries or surgery. You need quick care to stop the bleeding. If you have uncontrolled bleeding, call your dentist or go to the emergency room right away.
Severe Infection (Cellulitis)
Cellulitis is a serious tissue infection that can cause swelling and block your airway. So, it can become life-threatening. Signs include swelling, redness, and severe pain. If you think you have cellulitis, get emergency dental care immediately.
Face Injury (Facial Bone Trauma)
A serious injury to the face bones (or Facial bone trauma) is also a dental emergency. Accidents or blows to the face can cause this condition. The resulting injury can lead to broken bones and trouble breathing. If you have facial bone trauma, you should seek urgent medical help to keep your airway open and stabilize the injury.
Urgent Dental Cares
Urgent dental care focuses on treating conditions that need quick attention to relieve severe pain or prevent infection. This helps reduce the load on hospital emergency departments. Minimize invasiveness in these treatments by making them as simple and gentle as possible.
Severe Pain from Tooth Inflammation
Severe dental pain from tooth inflammation is a common dental emergency. This type of pain is often intense and persistent. It occurs when the pulp, or the inner tissue of the tooth, becomes inflamed because of decay or injury. Immediate treatment is necessary to relieve pain and prevent further complications. The dentist may perform procedures like a root canal or provide medications to manage the pain and inflammation.
Ignoring pulpal inflammation can lead to serious issues. Consequently, the infection can spread, causing abscesses or other systemic problems. It’s important to seek urgent dental care if you experience this kind of pain.
Pain from Third Molar or Wisdom Teeth
The infection that occurs around a partially erupted tooth, often a third molar or wisdom tooth can cause severe pain, swelling, and sometimes difficulty opening the mouth. Treatment usually involves cleaning the area, antibiotics, and sometimes minor surgery to remove the problematic tissue or tooth.
Third-molar pain can be quite severe and can disrupt daily activities. If left untreated, the infection can spread and cause more serious health issues. Early intervention can significantly reduce discomfort and prevent the need for more invasive treatments.
Post-Surgery Pain or Dry Sockets
Patients may experience surgical post-operative osteitis or dry socket, a painful condition, after tooth extraction. It happens when the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges or dissolves, exposing the bone and nerves. This leads to severe pain and delayed healing. Treatment involves cleaning the socket and placing a medicated dressing to promote healing and relieve pain.
Regular dressing changes and follow-up visits to the dentist help ensure proper healing. Patients should follow their dentist’s care instructions closely to avoid complications and speed up recovery.
Dental Traumas
Dental trauma, such as complete displacement of a tooth (i.e., avulsion) or displacement but not completely out (i.e., luxation), requires immediate care. Avulsed teeth need to be re-implanted as soon as possible for the best chance of saving the tooth. Luxated teeth need to be repositioned and stabilized.
In either of these scenarios, you should not delay making an appointment with a dentist. Quick action can save your tooth and prevent more damage. It’s important to get to a dentist right away after this kind of injury.
Accidental loss of teeth in Children
A blow to children’s tooth, especially to front teeth, can often cause it to become loose or fall out. As a result, prompt action is necessary. This is especially common in children. It is best to retain the tooth that has fallen out in the mouth with water, ice, or serum to keep it moist. Then schedule an appointment with a reputable dentist as soon as you can. They can restore the tooth by replacing the one that was knocked out of place. Acting quickly is the most critical thing you can do in this situation.
Broken Teeth Causing Pain or Soft Tissue Injury
A tooth fracture can cause significant pain and damage to the soft tissues in the mouth. The sharp edges of a broken tooth can cut the tongue, cheeks, or gums, leading to additional discomfort and in addition the risk of infection. Treatment may involve smoothing the sharp edges, placing a filling or crown, or, in severe cases, extracting the tooth.
Experiencing discomfort is a common side effect of having a tooth break. Note that there is no reason to rush to the dentist if you are not experiencing any discomfort, even if your tooth is cracked or fractured. But experiencing pain in these circumstances might be extremely risky because there is a possibility that the crown or root has a crack or fracture. Therefore, if you are in a great deal of discomfort, it is best to visit a dentist as soon as possible so that the necessary treatments can be administered.
For more guidance, refer to our blog about what to do in dental emergency.
Swelling around the mouth and oral cavities
Oral cavity swelling, swelling of the face, and swelling under the cheek are vital warning signs that the body offers us. The presence of these ridges or lumps in the mouth is an indication of a severe infection. Because of this, you can’t just ignore it; in such circumstances, it is best to consult a dentist about your issue. Because having an infection in your mouth is extremely risky and could lead to complications that can’t be fixed, you should avoid getting one.
Abscesses Causing Pain and Swelling
A dental abscess is a localized bacterial infection that causes severe pain and swelling. This infection can occur at the root of a tooth or in the gums. Immediate treatment is necessary to drain the abscess, relieve pain, and prevent the infection from spreading. The dentist may prescribe antibiotics and recommend procedures like root canals or extractions to treat the infection.
In most cases, the patient will not experience any difficulties resulting from the abscess if treated promptly. However, if it is not treated, it can lead to serious health risks, including the spread of infection to other parts of the body like the face, head, and neck, leading to a broader range of complications. It’s important to seek urgent dental care if you notice symptoms like severe pain, swelling, or a bad taste in your mouth. Early treatment can prevent complications and ensure a faster recovery.
Note that the abscess will not heal on its own, you will need to make an appointment with a dentist to treat it definitely.
Fixing Temporary Crowns or Bridges Causing Discomfort
Losing or breaking a temporary crown or bridge can lead to pain and consequently, gingival irritation. It’s important to have these restorations fixed promptly to avoid further damage and discomfort. The dentist will replace the temporary restoration with a permanent one, ensuring proper fit and function.
Addressing issues with temporary restorations quickly prevents additional dental problems. It also ensures that the permanent restoration process goes smoothly. Patients should visit their dentist promptly to resolve any issues with their temporary crowns or bridges.
Falling of Veneer, Ceramic Laminate, Composite, Restoration, or Prosthesis on It
Because of the impact on its outward presentation, the loss of a veneer, ceramic laminate, composite, restoration, or prosthesis might cause significant concern. In circumstances like these, it is best first to maintain your composure, speak with your dentist, and, if possible, go to her office. Clean the damaged area, then re-prepare and re-glue it if the laminate and coating remain intact. Finally, modify the composite of the repairs with materials of the same color to return it to its initial state.
Biopsy of Abnormal Tissue
A biopsy of abnormal tissue in the mouth is crucial for diagnosing potential health issues, including oral cancer. If you notice unusual growths or sores that do not heal, it’s important to see a dentist immediately. The dentist will take a small tissue sample for analysis.
Early detection and diagnosis through a biopsy can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Regular dental check-ups can help detect abnormalities early and facilitate timely intervention.
Semi-Urgent Dental Concerns
Severe Tooth Decay/Broken Fillings Causing Pain
When you have a cavity or an old filling that hurts, it needs to be fixed quickly. The dentist can use special materials to fill the cavity and stop the pain. These materials include silver solutions or glass-like substances that protect the tooth.
Neglecting to fix it can worsen the pain and further damage the tooth. Seeing the dentist soon will help stop the pain and keep your tooth healthy.
Suture Removal
After certain dental surgeries, stitches are used to help the area heal. These stitches need to be removed by the dentist once the healing is done. Removing them on time prevents any complications and keeps the mouth healthy.
Failure to remove stitches on time can result in irritation or infection. So, going to the dentist for stitch removal is a quick and painless process that ensures proper healing.
Adjusting Dentures for Cancer Patients
Patients undergoing treatment for cancer might need their dentures adjusted. Radiation or cancer treatments can change the shape of the mouth, making dentures uncomfortable. Adjusting the dentures helps them fit better and prevents sores.
Regular check-ups and adjustments are important for these patients. It ensures that their dentures are comfortable and do not cause any additional pain or problems during their treatment.
Fixing Dentures That Don’t Work Right
When dentures don’t fit right, they can make eating and talking difficult. The dentist can adjust or repair the dentures to make them fit properly. As a result, you can use your dentures comfortably.
If you ignore ill-fitting dentures, it can lead to mouth sores and other issues. Getting them adjusted or repaired quickly helps maintain good oral health and overall comfort.
Replacing Temporary Fillings If You Have Pain
Sometimes, a temporary filling is placed during a root canal. If this filling comes out or causes pain, it needs to be replaced quickly. So, the dentist will put in a new temporary filling to protect the tooth and stop the pain.
Not replacing a lost or painful filling can lead to more serious tooth problems. Thus, seeing the dentist right away for a new filling will keep your tooth safe and relieve the pain.
Fixing Orthodontic Wires or Appliances That Hurt Your Mouth
Braces and other dental appliances can sometimes poke the inside of your mouth, and thus cause pain or sores. The dentist can trim or adjust the wires to stop them from hurting you. As a result, wearing braces can become more comfortable. Moreover, it can prevent further injuries.
Ignoring a poking wire can lead to serious sores and discomfort. Visiting the dentist to fix this problem is a simple solution that improves your comfort and protects your mouth.
Final Word
Dr. Noorbakhsh Dentistry located on Fereshteh Street in Tehran, is equipped to handle all dental emergencies with expertise and care. For immediate assistance or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office. We are committed to addressing your dental emergencies promptly to ensure your comfort and well-being.
For further information on handling dental emergencies, please read our detailed guide on what steps to take in urgent situations.
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