If you’ve ever suffered a genuine dental emergency, you know that, in those moments, time is of the essence, as, in addition to (in many cases) severe pain, dental emergencies can pose a serious threat not only to a person’s long-term dental health but also their overall well-being!
Today we’re looking at some common dental emergencies and the appropriate course of action if you’re ever faced with them.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Of course, not all oral pain and dental issues qualify as “emergencies.” There are, however, certain symptoms that are telltale signs of an emergency:
- Severe toothache
- Swelling of the gums or jaw
- Bleeding from the mouth or gums
- Loose teeth in adults
- Loss of a permanent tooth, either due to trauma or decay
- Broken crown
What Do To When Faced With Various Dental Emergencies
Severe Toothache
Pain is your body’s alarm bell. And while most toothaches are not emergencies, pain that’s sudden, persistent, and truly severe likely warrants a visit to an emergency dentist.
Swelling of the Jaw / Swollen or Bleeding Gums
Swelling of the jawbone or gums, or bleeding from the gums for no apparent reason represent emergencies. These symptoms could be caused by an infection or dental abscess (pocket of pus around a tooth, either of which could not only result in tooth loss but affect other parts of the body if left untreated.
Tooth Loss
Whether due to impact or untreated decay, tooth loss as an adult is not normal. Thus, if you or someone you know loses a permanent tooth, immediate action is required. Fortunately, knowing what to do and wasting NO time doing it could save the tooth! In these cases, you should:
- Pick up the tooth without touching the root.
- Rinse the tooth without scrubbing.
- If you’re unable to re-place it in its socket in the gum, place the tooth in a container of milk.
- Get to a dentist as quickly as possible!
Emergency Dental Care in Chattanooga, TN
If you’re in the Chattanooga area and think you might need an emergency dentist or want to be prepared “just in case”, dentist Dr. Primesh Modi and the team at Bridge Dental are on hand to provide fast, top-quality care in your moment of need!