Your Halifax Invisalign® Provider
What is a dental emergency?
Any problem with your teeth, mouth or gums that requires urgent dental treatment is a dental emergency. Specifically, this can include:
Broken, Chipped, or Knocked Out Tooth
A broken or chipped tooth can usually be repaired, but it will necessitate immediate dental attention. A filling may be enough to repair a fracture or chip, but more serious breaks may necessitate a crown or root canal.
For teeth that have been knocked out, a dentist may be able to replace the tooth within an hour of the incident. Within this time frame, the tooth has a better chance of regaining root. After two hours, the chances are significantly reduced, and alternative measures must be considered.
Severe Toothache
If you have a toothache that you cannot relieve with over-the-counter pain relievers, apply ice to the affected area and contact your dentist as soon as possible, as this is considered a dental emergency.
Toothaches can indicate potential major dental issues, and so it is important to take them seriously.
Lost Filling
A lost filling is also serious as it exposes the interior of your tooth, weakening its structure. It’s important to see a dentist to have the filling replaced as soon as possible. You can protect the area until you get to the dentist by replacing the filling temporarily with a softened piece of sugarless gum.
Object Lodged Between Teeth
Objects getting lodged between the teeth can present a hazard and warrant urgent attention from your dentist. If you cannot dislodge the object with floss, do not use a sharp object to attempt to remove it yourself as this could push it further between your teeth - or injure your gums.
Bitten Tongue or Lip
If you are experiencing bleeding that can’t be quelled after biting your tongue or lip, you need to visit an emergency dental clinic. In the meantime, apply a clean cloth to the part of the mouth that’s bleeding and press down. Use an ice pack to reduce swelling, and look for urgent dental care.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a buildup of pus which forms inside the teeth or gums. This very painful condition usually develops from a bacterial infection, often within the soft pulp of the tooth or the root of the tooth. They can be caused by a cavity that’s been left untreated, severe gum disease or perhaps a chipped tooth.
A bad taste in your mouth, swollen glands, pain, pus, or fever are all possible symptoms. An abscessed tooth usually necessitates surgery to drain the infection and properly treat it. Root canal surgery may be used to treat dental abscesses.