Dental emergencies can be a frightening and unexpected experience. Whether you have a chipped tooth, a painful abscess, or something more severe, you should know what to do to avoid panicking and improve your treatment’s outcome. First and foremost, you must call your dentist immediately if you have an urgent oral problem. Also, understanding the fundamentals of emergency dentistry can help you prepare for more serious issues.
Keep reading to learn more.
Most Common Dental Emergency Situations
The following are typical situations that require emergency dental care:
- Toothache or jaw pain
- Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
- Tooth trauma (knocked out)
- Severe gum inflammation
- Dental abscess
- Severe bleeding
- Lost or harmed dental crowns, bridges, or implants
What Are the Procedures Involved in a Dental Emergency?
With a wide range of emergency dental services, here are some of the most common ones:
1. Tooth Extraction
Emergency care for severe toothache in Edmonton often requires tooth extraction. This dental procedure involves removing the tooth from its socket in the jawbone and other surrounding tissues. It’s usually done when a tooth has been severely damaged or decayed beyond repair or to remove an affected wisdom tooth. You will receive local anesthesia so that you can remain comfortable during treatment.
After the procedure, they will recommend over-the-counter medications for pain relief and antibiotics if required. In addition, proper aftercare instructions should be followed to guarantee a fast recovery and avoid infection. In cases like these, having a dentist on hand to see you in the case of an emergency is always a good idea, as they’re always available to see you.
2. Root Canal
A root canal involves removing the nerve tissue or pulp inside a tooth. Your dentist might perform this if you have a decayed or infected tooth, which can help preserve and prevent additional damage. They will make a small hole at the top of your tooth so they can clean and access the root canals before they are filled with dental material. The final step is sealing the access point with a filling or crown.
Root canal therapy can provide long-lasting relief from pain and discomfort caused by infection and improve oral health overall.
3. Jaw Pain Emergency Treatment
Shooting pain in the jaws or teeth can be caused by TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), jaw fractures, etc. Depending on the cause, your dentist may prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and pain. They will also refer you to an oral surgeon for further assessment if required. Surgery may be necessary in extreme cases of jaw misalignment or fractures. Additionally, your dentist can provide mouthguards or splints to secure the teeth and jaw from further damage or injury.
4. Dental Crowns, Bridges, and Implant Replacement or Repair
If your dental crowns, bridges, or implants are damaged, broken, chipped, or have become loose, your dentist may suggest replacing or repairing them as soon as possible. If not, an infection may spread to other gums, teeth, and jawbone.
Fixing them may be possible if they’re not too severely damaged. They do this by reshaping the crown, implant, or bridge and bonding it with a special adhesive. If the damage is too serious for repair, your dentist will advise replacing them to restore the full function of your teeth. This means you must repeat the same treatments as if you were getting them for the first time.
The Bottom Line
Dental emergencies can happen to anyone, anytime. But if you understand the basics of emergency dentistry and prepare for any situation, this helps you get the treatment you require quickly and safely. Contact your dentist right away for proper diagnosis and care if you experience a dental emergency.
