Everyone knows that regular visits to the dentist can help prevent tooth decay and other mouth issues. However, occasionally, a bonafide dental emergency will arise that necessitates a quick visit to an emergency dentist. Failing to address these issues when they arise can lead to dire health consequences, so it is paramount to take immediate action when necessary. Learning what classifies as a dental emergency can help you be more prepared when they pop up.
Read on to learn exactly what classifies as a dental emergency and find an emergency dentist in your area.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is a dental issue with an acute time frame, which has the potential to heavily impact the health of one’s body and mouth. Realizing when a dental emergency is occurring can save you a world of pain and possibly keep you from severe medical danger.
When a dental emergency occurs, you should visit a dental professional as quickly as possible. They will have the tools and expertise to treat your condition comprehensively.
Unchecked dental emergencies can have very severe consequences and, in some cases, can prove to be deadly due to the sensitive nerve endings and blood vessels that fill the mouth. Given this, it is crucial to take any occurrence that you suspect might be a dental emergency seriously.
What Classifies as a Dental Emergency?
Several different elements contribute to a dental situation being qualified as an emergency. Common dental emergencies include the following:
- Exposed nerves
- Having a tooth knocked out
- Unexplained swelling or bleeding
- Lost fillings
- Damaged crown
- Abscessed teeth
- Infection in the mouth and teeth
Any of the above conditions have the potential to cause a considerable amount of damage to one’s teeth, mouth, and general physical health.
Causes of Dental Emergencies
Knowing some of the sources of common dental emergencies can help you be more prepared when they come up. Keep an eye out for the following scenarios that are familiar sources for dental emergencies:
- Car accidents
- Work-related accidents
- Intense contact sports
- Eating or chewing on hard materials
- Jaw joint pain
The longer you go without treating a dental emergency, the higher the chance that it will negatively impact your general health. Taking the initiative can give you a higher chance of resolving your emergency satisfactorily.
What Is Not a Dental Emergency?
Overreacting to dental issues that are not emergencies can negatively impact your wallet by causing you to incur very expensive, unwarranted medical bills. The following conditions are not considered dental emergencies and can be resolved by a rudimentary dental visit.
- Small chips or cracks in the teeth
- Mild toothache
- Broken braces or other dental fixtures
- Objects are caught in the teeth
- Minor cuts or sores in the mouth
Some of these mild dental issues can become emergencies if they are exacerbated or impacted in any way. Keep an eye out for signs that they may be developing in negative fashions, like if you experience large amounts of bleeding.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency?
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, you should seek out emergency dental services as quickly as possible. Resolving your issue carries with it a number of benefits, including that you can:
- Save your teeth
- Prevent damage to your mouth
- Preserve previous dental work
- Save yourself time and money
An emergency dentist can perform a number of services to attempt to repair the damage done to your mouth in your emergency dental situation. Some of these services are among those commonly asked for:
- Tooth extraction
- Replantation
- Splints
- Irrigation and antibiotics
- Fillings
- Root canal
Once you are at the dentist’s office, you should relate to them all of the symptoms that you’re experiencing. This will help them identify the exact source of your dental emergency and the best path forward for treatment. In some cases, such as in the case of high levels of damage due to an impact of some kind, the problem and treatment course should be obvious.
The Top Dentist in Cerritos
The Jesmine Boghawala DDS and our award-winning team are dedicated to offering patients the best that an emergency dentist in Cerritos can offer. If you worry that you are experiencing the symptoms of a dental emergency, contact our office today to set up an appointment.
