We use our mouths to talk and eat every day. Most people can tell when something is wrong with their oral health due to pain and discomfort. Other times, it can be hard to know a problem exists because self-examination is difficult for many.
About 50% of people in America visit their dentists on a regular basis. What about the other 50%?
And how can a person tell if they are dealing with a serious oral problem? Keep reading to learn the most common dental emergencies and how to find a dentist in Oshawa to treat it.
1. Broken or Knocked-Out Teeth
If you have chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth, you need to visit the dentist as soon as possible. When you are missing a tooth or teeth, you should always save it and bring it with you to the dentist. The same goes for broken teeth.
There is a key in storing it in order to preserve the health of the tooth while it is momentarily away from blood supply. You could place it inside a container of milk.
It is vital to keep the tooth moist at all times. Submerging the tooth in milk is a better option compared to water because cells will not swell and later burst.
It is best to inspect your tooth first. Take care NOT to touch your tooth from the root. In many cases, it may be better to place it between your cheeks or reinsert it back into the socket whenever possible.
That tooth should be reinserted within an hour. If you are bleeding, be sure to press a gauge against the area to allow it to clot. You can follow-up with a cool compress to help reduce swelling.
2. Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is a serious dental emergency. It is an active infection in the area surrounding your tooth, the toot, and the gums. The most common symptom you will notice is pain and a zit-like bump on the gum.
At first, it may not seem like anything is wrong. Later though, you will notice the bump changes in appearance. The abscess will later release white, red, yellow, or clear fluid.
Before heading to the dentist you can help treat the abscess at home first by rinsing your mouth with a solution of saltwater. This is an effective remedy at addressing the pain as well as helping to reduce pus.
Do not attempt to pop the abscess. It is safe to continue to brush around the area as well.
Immediate dental care is a must with a tooth abscess because the infection can make its way into the bloodstream. A buildup of toxins in the blood can lead to sepsis, a fatal medical condition when blood is infected.
3. Missing Filling
Dentists treat most cavities by filling them in, but there are times you may notice the filling gets dislodged. There is a good chance you may not even be aware or see the filling when it happens. Most people notice it when they can feel the hole once again.
You do not have to be worried if you accidentally swallow the filling most times. However, you will need to refill the cavity immediately to prevent the introduction of germs, bacteria, and food particles from entering. In the meantime, you can protect your tooth by getting temporary filling that you can purchase over the counter.
4. Reversible and Irreversible Pulpitis
Reversible pulpitis is a mild form of inflammation at the pulp of the too. The most common reason it occurs is due to caries that surround the pulp. The issue is reversible only when you catch it in the early stages.
It is vital to remove carious tissue around the area and get a filling or opt for other forms of dental restoration. Failure to do so can cause irreversible pulpitis.
Spontaneous and persistent pain is the primary complaint. The pain tends to be poorly localized.
You will need to visit a dentist as soon as you can. The only true option to treat irreversible pulpitis is to get a root canal. It is an oral surgery that involves removing the pulp and filling around the area.
It may or may not be accompanied by the extraction of the tooth as well. You should never leave this issue alone for more than a few days until you can make a dental appointment.
The best way to prevent dental emergencies is to take care of your oral health and complete regular check-ups at the dentist. Doing so can stop such issues from happening.
5. Tooth Pain and Inflammation
One of the most common reasons people make a trip to the dentist is because of tooth pain and inflammation. While it's possible to have just one of these issues, a lot of people complain about having both.
They are strong indicators that something is wrong. There are several reasons that could be the source, and it will be impossible to treat unless you find out the origin. For example, you may notice these symptoms if you have mouth sores or have sensitive teeth.
A dentist will help you determine why you are experiencing pain and inflammation so you can get the proper treatment.
Always Seek Treatment for Dental Emergencies
You should never allow a tooth to remain untreated otherwise you will make the problem worse. Ignoring a problem does not make it go away. You should always seek dental care any time you are dealing with an oral issue. If you want to know where to go for dental emergencies, contact us.
Dental emergency Oshawa is open 7 days a week. We provide quality standards and specialized dental care. When you need urgent dental assistance, we can provide same-day bookings.
