An extreme dental emergency is a sudden and severe problem with your teeth or gums. You must sort it out right away. This guide will help you understand what counts as an extreme dental emergency. It will show how to recognise one and what steps to take if you find yourself in such a pickle.
What Does an Extreme Dental Emergency Look Like?
Imagine you’re enjoying a lovely Sunday roast. Then, you feel a sharp pain in your tooth when you bite it. Or maybe you’re playing a bit of football and get a hearty knock to the mouth. These can be signs of a dental emergency if the pain is severe, or if there’s bleeding that won’t stop.
Can Infected Teeth cause Heart Problems?
Here are a few examples of situations that qualify as extreme dental emergencies:
- Knocked-Out Tooth: If your tooth has been completely knocked out, it’s a race against time to save it. Handling the tooth carefully by the crown and not the root, try to reinsert it gently into the socket. If that’s not on, keep it moist in a cup of milk or a special dental preservation kit until you can see a dentist.
- Severe Toothache: A toothache might not sound bad. But, severe pain could be a sign of something serious, like an abscess or infection. If the pain is unbearable and accompanied by swelling or fever, you need to see a dentist right away.
- Broken Tooth: If you’ve broken a tooth, it’s causing sharp pain or significant damage. You need to get dental care right away. Sharp edges can harm your mouth further, and a severe break might expose the nerve inside the tooth.
- Heavy Bleeding: Heavy bleeding requires urgent attention. It is caused by injuries that make your gums or mouth bleed too much. Continuous bleeding could lead to more significant health issues.
How to Handle a Dental Emergency
If you have a knocked-out tooth or another severe problem, here’s what you should do right away:
- Stay Calm: First things first, keep your wits about you. Panicking will only make things worse.
- Call Your Dentist: Ring up your dentist right away. Most dental offices have an emergency number for such situations.
- Care for Your Tooth: If you’ve knocked out a tooth, keep it moist. If you’re in pain, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
- Avoid Eating: Try not to eat until you’ve seen a dentist, especially if there’s a broken tooth or missing filling.
Prevention Tips
Preventing dental emergencies is part of taking good care of your teeth. Here are some tips to help keep your pearly whites safe:
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Seeing your dentist often can help catch problems early. It’s before they become emergencies.
- Wear Protective Gear: Always wear a mouthguard when playing sports. This is especially important for contact sports like rugby or boxing.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Crunching on hard sweets or ice can break your teeth. It’s best to enjoy these treats with care.
Conclusion
Now you know what an extreme dental emergency is and how to deal with one. Remember, quick action can make all the difference. Don’t hesitate to call your dentist at the first sign of trouble. Take good care of your teeth. Visit your dentist often. That way, you can lower your risk of these emergencies.
Remember, keeping calm and taking swift, sensible action is your best bet in a dental emergency. Your teeth will thank you for it!
Need Immediate Dental Help?
If you’re ever in a fix with a dental emergency, don’t fret! Just pop over to GK Dental Implants and Cosmetic Clinic. We’re experts at handling dental mishaps. They range from knocked-out teeth to unbearable toothaches. At GK Dental, we promise swift, caring, and effective treatment to put your mind—and mouth—at ease.
Reach out now to connect with your Dumfries dentist. We’re here to restore your smile!