Dental Emergencies 101: What is a Dental Emergency & What Isn’t?

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You suddenly feel a sharp pain in your teeth in the middle of the night. You’re trying to sleep it off, but it feels impossible. Do you rush to the dental emergency and wait until the morning to set an appointment with your regular dentist? Sometimes, it can be challenging to identify if the situation you’re in classifies as a dental emergency or not.

If you’re unsure about what to do in a dental emergency, it might be worth figuring out what constitutes an emergency and what is regular dental pain. If you need emergency dental work after hours, our emergency dentist in Hamilton is available to assist you at any time. Ignoring a significant problem can cause permanent damage to your teeth. But, when you’re in pain and unable to think straight, how do you decide if you need to visit the dentist right away? Here are some ways to differentiate between emergencies and make a suitable decision for your oral health.

What is a Dental Emergency?

Sometimes it can be tricky to differentiate between what is considered a dental emergency and what is a standard issue. Dental emergencies usually require immediate care. For example, if your teeth won’t stop bleeding for a long time or you notice swelling around your face or gums.

If you lose an adult tooth, that is also a sign that you need emergency dental services since it is rare for adults to lose their full-grown teeth. Call our emergency dentist to explain the issue if you’re not unsure about what to do in a dental emergency.

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Types of Dental Emergencies

While determining what is considered a dental emergency, familiarize yourself with these common dental emergencies that people usually face.

1. Extreme Pain

If you are in severe pain that seems almost unbearable, it’s your body’s way of warning you that you need emergency dental services. Although minor pain is common in people who have dental problems, severe pain might indicate a bigger problem.

At times like these, DIY methods consisting of ice, heating pads, or your regular pain medication might not do the trick. You must contact your emergency dentist and ask for advice.

2. Unstoppable Bleeding

Mouth bleeding could indicate an acute or chronic condition. If you experience minor bleeding while brushing or eating, you need to visit your dentist, but it’s not an emergency. However, if you experience unstoppable bleeding or more significant amounts than unusual, pick up your phone and give your dentist a call. It is not normal to have excessive bleeding from your mouth, and you will need immediate treatment.

3. Sudden Adult Tooth Loss

You’re not supposed to lose a tooth as an adult randomly. If you’re enjoying a delicious piece of steak and you suddenly notice a tooth on your plate, you need help right away. Waiting a few hours could reduce the chances of saving the tooth since the gum structure can change swiftly. If the entire tooth comes off, you might still be able to save it if you take an emergency dental trip instantly.

 

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4. Wobbly Tooth

If you haven’t lost a tooth but feel one moving, you still have time to save the tooth before it falls out. If your tooth is loose and seems like it will come out, treat it carefully, avoid brushing too hard on the area, and call your emergency dental office.

5. Infections or Swelling

Infections in the mouth can be uncomfortable, painful, and become life-threatening if left untreated. Since your mouth is close to the brain, infections can spread or become dangerous. If you notice any part of your mouth swell up or become infectious, consider getting emergency dental services.

To prevent future infections, follow good dental habits to ensure that your mouth is always clean. If you’re cautious about your oral health and still face problems, it could indicate an underlying problem that your dentist can identify.

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6. Mouth Injury

In many cases, it might be challenging to figure out what to do in a dental emergency. However, if you suffer from any mouth injury, whether from sports, a fight, or anything else, there is no room for second-guessing whether or not it’s an emergency. If your teeth fell out, try to collect them if possible and take them to the dentist. The dentist might be able to save the teeth during your treatment.

What Isn’t a Dental Emergency?

It is possible to get confused about how much pain is okay until you pick up your phone to call the emergency dental office. Sometimes, it’s not worth the trip or cost to visit the dentist immediately. Here are some cases that may seem like an emergency but aren’t.

1. Mild or Moderate Pain

If you’re experiencing dental pain that isn’t getting in the way of your daily activities, it might be okay to wait until the next day to schedule a regular appointment with your dentist. If you can eat properly, aren’t experiencing mouth bleeding, and talk without pain, you might not need emergency dental services.

2. Chipped or Broken Tooth

The thought of losing a part of your tooth can be overwhelming. However, if you only notice a tiny part of the tooth come off, it might not be worth the emergency trip. If the entire tooth falls off, you need to visit the dentist right away to save the tooth. However, waiting until the next day for a slightly chipped or broken tooth is okay.

3. Lost Filling or Crown

Losing a crown or filling is not an emergency since these things can happen. An artificial appliance will not last forever and may need treatment after a while, just not immediately. You can consider buying over-the-counter dental cement to fill the piece that fell out temporarily. However, it is best to discuss the options with your dentist when you call them the next day.

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What to Do During a Dental Emergency

The first thing you need to do during a dental emergency is visit the dentist. However, you might forget some things in the heat of the moment. If you lost a tooth, pick it up, rinse it, and store it in a box or bag to take with you. When you cannot see the dentist the very moment you want to, ask them about painkillers that you can take to ease the pain.

An emergency dental situation isn’t something you should take lightly. Since some conditions can cause severe pain and pose life-threatening risks, emergency dentists are available to save the day.