Canadian's see their dentists on average 3.54 hours per year.
Over 80% of those visits were to a general dentist, and many would have been experiencing common dental emergencies. As a dental surgery, you see many of the same issues daily, all of which need to be treated with speed and the utmost care.
Keep reading to discover the most common causes for an emergency dental visit and how often the solution is a routine, well-practiced fix that will return your smile in no time.
Toothache
Unspecified toothache is one of the most common symptoms patients present when attending an emergency appointment at the dentist. Many of us would agree that toothache is one of the worst pains that you can experience, and it is also an indication that something is very wrong and requires treatment.
A dentist will carefully explore the site and identify the problem. Often the cause of toothache is a cavity caused by decay within the tooth. This will require a filling to fix the issue and stop the pain from returning.
A dentist may need to x-ray your mouth to fully understand the source of the issue, which may be coming from your jaw or gum line and radiating through the tooth.
If you are experiencing a toothache, do not ignore it. Apply a cold compress externally to the area and make an appointment with your dental practitioner as soon as you are able.
Abscess
A common health issue within the mouth is the formation of an abscess along the gums or under a tooth. An abscess is usually very painful and looks very red and swollen at the site. Common causes of abscesses are bacterial infections and will require treatment and usually a course of antibiotics to fix the problem.
If left untreated for too long, an infected tooth can cause serious health issues, and it is one of the most common issues dentists see daily. Bacteria within the tooth cause the infection, which can quickly escalate into an abscess if not seen by a dentist.
If you suspect you have an abscess check your gums for any spots or bumps along the gum line. Rinse your mouth with a mild salt solution and make an appointment with your local dentist as soon as possible.
Broken Or Chipped Tooth
Breaking a tooth can be a very unpleasant experience and one that can leave you with a lifetime of issues if not treated urgently by a specialist. Broken teeth usually occur when you bite too hard on something but can also be caused by knocks to the mouth during accidents.
You may not notice at first that the tooth has been chipped if it is in a site where there are not any nerve endings. But chipping away the enamel will leave the softer part of the tooth exposed and vulnerable to infection and decay. You may also notice discoloration start to appear at the site of the chip, which could be a warning that decay is beginning to set in.
A chipped tooth at the front of your mouth may affect your confidence when smiling. However, the fix can be straightforward to do and can restore the brilliance of your smile in no time.
Lost Teeth
If problems go untreated for a very long time, they can lead to tooth loss. Teeth will fall out if the roots die or the gum recedes enough for a tooth to become loose. You can also lose teeth due to impact in an accident.
It is possible to save teeth that have been knocked out accidentally. Collect the tooth and keep it safe. Bring it to your emergency dentist, and they may be able to resocket the tooth the same day.
Storing stray teeth in milk can help preserve them temporarily if you can not get to the dentist straight away. But do not delay too long as time is of the essence for a restoration procedure.
Lost Filling Or Crown
A common emergency at the dentist is that of a lost filling or crown. A filling can become loose over time, or it has not been sealed correctly and can fall out of your mouth. If it does, you need to make sure the hole is filled again as soon as possible to avoid a bacterial infection getting into your tooth.
Dental crowns or caps are placed over teeth that have become damaged or weathered over time. They can also become loose and fall off when biting or chewing. Crowns can get looser after many use or simply if the tooth beneath does not give the crown a lot of purchase.
If your crown becomes loose or falls out, do not worry. An emergency dentist can fit a temporary replacement until your own dentist can make a permanent solution.
Painful Orthodontics
Braces can take a lot of damage as they are tough and designed to handle the daily wear and tear of chewing and biting. However, you may find that over time they become painful if something becomes stuck or a piece of the brace starts to rub against a cheek or tongue.
Emergency dentists can help find a solution for the problem until the orthodontist can properly align and readjust your braces. Do not ever be tempted to try and adjust your braces yourself, or worse still, cut them.
Braces may feel uncomfortable, but they should never be painful. So if you are experiencing a great deal of pain, you should see an emergency dentist as soon as you are able.
Common Dental Emergencies
An emergency dentist deals with these types of dental emergencies every day and understands that when you are in pain, it is essential that you get the proper treatment quickly and safely.
If you are ever unsure about any pain, swelling, or bleeding in your mouth, it is always crucial that you seek medical assistance sooner rather than later.
Our dental surgery is here to help you with all your dental needs, emergency or otherwise. If you would like a consultation with one of our specialists, please get in touch, and we will be happy to help you.
