Your Peterborough Invisalign® Provider
What is a dental emergency?
If you experience any sudden dental situation that requires immediate care from a dentist then you are having a dental emergency. Dental emergencies can have a number of different causes such as injuries or dental decay.
Here we share some of the common dental emergencies and how you can manage the situation until you see the dentist.
Toothache That Can't Be Relieved
If you are suddenly experiencing pain, either sharp, throbbing or otherwise, you should contact your dentist. If this pain is unable to be relieved using pain medications (such as ibuprofen), you’ve got a dental emergency.
Apply ice to your jaw, and go to your dentist’s office as soon as you can.
Object Lodged Between Your Teeth
If you end up with an object or debris stuck between your teeth then you can attempt to remove it with floss. While this typically can solve the issue there are times when it may not and you will need to seek dental care. Do not use a sharp object to try and dislodge it, as you could injure your gums or push it further between your teeth.
Knocked Out Tooth or Teeth
If you visit the dentist within an hour there is a chance that they may be able to place your tooth back in its socket,
Try and locate your tooth, rinse it off with water (do not use soap or chemicals), and put it back in the socket. If you are unable to place it in the socket, hold it in your cheek or place it in a container of milk.
A lost tooth is considered an urgent dental emergency, so get to your dentist’s office right away.
Misplaced Dental Fillings or Crown
The loss of a dental crown or filling is a dental emergency as these help to protect the soft interior of your tooth from infection as well as provide extra strength to the tooth itself. It can also be quite painful and sensitive. That’s why a missing filling is a dental emergency, and your dentist should repair it as soon as possible so that it can be replaced.
Damaged or Chipped Teeth
If you experience a broken tooth then you will need to visit the dentist for a filling, crown or root canal to help protect and strengthen the tooth. If you have broken or chipped a tooth, make an appointment with your dentist to have it repaired as soon as you can.
Bitten Tongue or Lip
If an injury to the inside of your mouth results in a laceration to your lip or tongue, this is considered a dental emergency. You can use a clean cloth to quell bleeding. For any swelling, apply a cold ice pack to the area and seek treatment right away.
Dental emergencies are sometimes recognizable right away, and sometimes not. Do not hesitate to call our office if you have any questions. Our staff can screen you and provide advice on whether your issue is urgent.