Lowell, MA – Accidents can strike at any time, and dental emergencies are no different. We can’t plan for dental pain or injury, but how do we know if what we are experiencing is a true emergency that requires immediate attention or something that can wait a bit? The experts at Lowell Dental Arts explain more so you can understand when you need to take immediate action to help preserve your smile.
“A dental emergency can be described as an oral health issue that should be treated immediately,” says Dr. Thakore. “This could be to treat severe pain, save a tooth, stop bleeding, or treat an infection. In certain cases, receiving prompt care is essential.”
So, what are the most common types of dental emergencies that warrant an immediate appointment?
Severe tooth pain. A severe and persistent toothache that cannot be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication can indicate a more serious issue, such as an infection or abscess. You may require a root canal to treat the tooth. In severe instances, the tooth may need to be extracted. Call our office right away to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove any trapped food particles.
Tooth that has been knocked out. A tooth can be knocked out due to an accident or injury, but if the tooth has been preserved, it may be able to be saved. This emergency requires immediate care, within the first hour if possible, for the highest chance to save your tooth. You can gently rinse the lost tooth with water and carefully place it back in the tooth socket. Or you can preserve the tooth in milk until you can get to our office.
Cracked, chipped, or broken tooth. Breaking, chipping, or cracking a tooth can expose the tooth nerve, which can make you susceptible to an infection. If you experience a severe fracture in a tooth, one that causes pain and/or bleeding definitely requires immediate care. As with a knocked-out tooth, we recommend gently rinsing the area with warm water and applying a cold compress to the area. If possible, save any tooth fragments you find and call our office right away.
Dental abscess. An abscess if a pocket of pus that is caused by an infection and should be treated immediately to avoid the infection spreading and causing further health issues. Symptoms of an abscess can include swelling, pain, difficulty swallowing, a foul taste, or a fever. If you experience problems with breathing or swallowing, you should seek immediate care or find your nearest emergency room or urgent care.
Filling or crown is lost. Losing a filling or a crown is an emergency if your tooth structure is exposed, leaving you susceptible to pain or infection. Avoid chewing on the side you’ve lost the filling or crown on and schedule an appointment as soon as you can. You can also use temporary dental cement to seal the area until you can see us.
Oral injuries. An injury to your lips, tongue, or cheeks that bleeds excessively and where bleeding cannot be stopped after a few minutes of pressure being applied needs immediate attention. Rinse the area gently with warm water and apply pressure using clean gauze until you can see us.
We know that experiencing tooth pain or an injury or accident to the face can be cause for concern. Not all accidents are cause for immediate attention, though you should still schedule an appointment to be seen when you can. Minor toothaches that come and go, small chips or cracks that don’t cause any pain, mild gum irritation, or a lost bracket or loose braces wire do not warrant a true dental emergency that requires immediate care.
Our team at Lowell Dental Arts is always here to help you. If you are concerned about a dental issue and don’t know if it requires immediate attention, call our office to discuss it. In many cases, acting quickly can prevent further damage and pain and may even be able to save your tooth.
Call our office if you are experiencing a dental emergency or if you have any questions or concerns.
