Dental emergencies include all injuries, conditions, and pain in the teeth or gums that are either life-threatening or require immediate treatment, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Conditions and injuries that require emergency or urgent dental care include:
Severe pain
Severe pain in the teeth or gums is often due to a serious condition, including an infection within the pulp of the tooth, an infection in the gums (gingivitis or periodontitis), significant decay in the tooth, a crack in a tooth, and acute pain with no known cause.
Tooth fractures
A fractured tooth is considered a dental emergency because the break in the tooth makes it more vulnerable to infection. A crack or fracture in the tooth that extends below the gum line may require immediate extraction.
Dental Trauma
Dental trauma sustained from a car accident, bicycle accident, or resulting from a sports injury or fall needs emergency treatment. Severe swelling or fractures can restrict your airway, so treatment is needed ASAP.
Bacterial infection
Bacterial infections are common, but they are potentially very dangerous. For example, bacteria responsible for gum disease may enter your bloodstream, putting you at risk of widespread infection. Bacteria may also lead to the formation of a dental abscess, which is a painful condition requiring antibiotic medication.
Soft tissue trauma
Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations to the soft tissues of the cheeks, tongue, or gums are considered dental emergencies. If you are experiencing uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth, go to the nearest emergency room immediately. If the bleeding is controlled, you should contact your dentist for emergency cleaning, dressing, and treating the wound.
Lost dental restoration (filling or dental crown)
Although you may not experience pain if a filing or dental crown falls out, this is still considered a dental emergency. Your dental restorations protect your natural teeth from decay and infection. Without your dental restoration, your tooth becomes vulnerable to cracking or infection.
Dental abscess
Dental abscesses are incredibly painful. An abscess is a pus-filled sac that forms as a result of a bacterial infection. A dental abscess will not resolve without treatment.
Inflammation in the tooth pulp
Suppose the interior of your tooth becomes inflamed due to severe decay or infection. In that case, you will likely need an emergency root canal to treat the inflammation and preserve your natural tooth.
Knocked-out teeth
A knocked-out tooth is considered a dental emergency, and you should contact your dentist immediately. If you can locate the tooth, gently place it back in the socket and try to keep it there until you can get to your dentist. If you cannot put the tooth back in the socket, put the tooth in a small cup of milk or water and bring it to the dentist’s office. In some cases, if you seek swift treatment, the tooth may be able to be saved.
Types of Treatment for Dental Emergencies
The type of emergency dental treatment your dentist will provide will depend upon the cause and severity of the dental emergency. Potential emergency treatments may include:
- New filling
- New dental crown
- Root canal therapy
- Antibiotic treatment
- Scaling and root planing
- Extractions
Emergency Dental Care in Brunswick, OH
Bellissimi Dental provides treatment for dental emergencies in Brunswick, OH. If you’ve experienced any type of trauma to the mouth, or if you’ve developed acute pain with no known cause, contact us immediately at 330-741-3334. During regular hours, our experienced team will prioritize your care. If you suffer a dental emergency after hours, call 330-741-3334 and follow the message prompts. If you are bleeding in the mouth or sustained blunt trauma to the jaw, face, or teeth, go to your nearest emergency room.