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Dealing with Dental Emergencies

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Toothache – Dealing with Dental Emergencies. A toothache can signify several different issues that require urgent dental care. Cavities left untreated can worsen into abscesses or infections  spreading to other teeth. Cracked teeth may have serious damage to nerves and pulp tissue inside the tooth requiring a root canal treatment or extraction.  Wisdom teeth often become impacted and inflamed, also causing severe
toothache. 

Knocked Out Tooth – If a tooth gets knocked out completely, it is critical to replant it quickly to preserve the cells and nerves attached to the root. Ideally within 30 minutes. The tooth has the best chance of survival if kept moist before reimplanting. Common ways to transport the tooth include placing it in milk or the person’s saliva inside their cheek. Don’t scrape or brush it prior to emergency dental treatment.

Broken Tooth – Jagged edges from a broken tooth can sever and expose nerves,  leading to infection without proper care. The dentist may smooth sharp edges or restore missing structures with a crown. If nerves or pulp sustain damage, a root canal may be required to remove infected tissue and prevent further issues.

Bleeding Gums – Bleeding from gums after brushing or flossing typically signals the early stages of gingivitis (gum disease). More severe cases where gums bleed profusely could mean periodontitis. This advanced stage of gum disease causes chronic inflammation and destroys bones supporting the teeth. If left untreated, periodontitis can cause loosening or tooth loss.

Dental Abscesses – A dental abscess forms when there is a bacterial infection inside the pulp of a tooth. Drainage and antibiotics are necessary right away to prevent serious complications. Abscesses may create fever, earaches, and facial  swelling if left untreated too long.

What Should You Do?

First Steps – Contact your regular dentist or Emergency Dentist Edinburgh about any symptoms you are experiencing to determine the next steps. For after-hours, search emergency dental hotlines in your area or go to an immediate care facility. Treating issues early improves outcomes.

– Pain Relief – Until able to reach the dentist, over-the-counter pain relievers like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen can temporarily alleviate discomfort. Topical numbing gel applied directly on the gums around the problem tooth may also provide short
term relief for toothaches.

Save a Knocked-Out Tooth – Gently rinse and place the tooth back in the socket if possible, using care not to touch root surfaces. If unable to reimplant, store it in a glass of milk or place between cheek and gum in saliva until getting to the dentist. Time is critical for tooth replantation chances.

– Control Bleeding – Use sterile gauze or a tea bag pressed firmly on the bleeding
area for 10-30 minutes. This will help blood clot and stem blood flow. Avoid
steam, hot liquids, spitting, or swishing aggressively as this can dislodge any clots
forming. If still there is bleeding, contact emergency dentist.

Stay Calm and Take Action  Knowing how to take action while waiting to be seen by a professional can influence outcomes with dental emergencies. Try to manage swelling, pain and bleeding issues as best possible. Having an emergency dental treatment plan in place means one less worry when dealing with the stress of an already painful
situation. Stay proactive and get dental symptoms evaluated right away before
small issues become more complex.

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