Dental emergencies don’t care if it’s the middle of the night. A sudden toothache, broken filling, or injury can happen during dinner, a family outing, or with no warning at all. More importantly, in those moments, you will want to know if and when to call an emergency dentist in Wetaskiwin to protect your smile and relieve your discomfort as quickly as possible.
This blog post will help tell you what the most common dental emergencies are, the signs you should always pay attention to, and what to do while you wait to see the dentist.
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental problem is an emergency, but many dental issues require same-day care. Many dental emergencies are also situations where waiting too long may lead to significant damage, pain, and risk of infection.
This is just a shortlist of signs that should lead you to call your dentist near you as soon as possible:
- Severe or consistent tooth pain that has not responded to over-the-counter pain medications.
- Knocked-out teeth as a result of an accident or injury.
- Swelling of your face or gums, especially if associated with a tooth infection.
- Cracked or broken teeth that are painful or have visible damage.
- Lost or broken fillings that expose the interior of your tooth.
What Are the Common Dental Emergency Symptoms?
It can be difficult to determine how serious your circumstances are. Keep an eye on the following common dental emergency symptoms:
- Throbbing pain or sharp pain in a tooth or teeth
- Swelling of the gums or cheeks
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Difficulty chewing food or opening your mouth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that is sudden
If you’ve experienced any of these, don’t wait! A quick response can reduce long-term damage and provide you with relief.
How to Handle Urgent Tooth Pain Relief
Toothaches can be one of the worst and most uncomfortable experiences ever. It may start with a slight throbbing pain, but can progress to severe, unbearable pain in a short period of time. While you are waiting to be seen by the dentist, consider trying some of these options to relieve urgent dental pain.
- Gently rinse out your mouth with warm salt water.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication, following all directions.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to help minimize swelling.
- Do not chew on the affected side until you see a dentist.
Just keep in mind that pain relievers only mask the problem—they don’t fix it. A dentist can determine why your tooth hurts and provide the best treatment.
Knocked-Out Tooth Help
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. Quick action may save the tooth. Here’s what to do:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (top), not by the root.
- Do not scrub the teeth if they are unclean; instead, gently rinse them with water.
- Again, if it is possible, try to place the tooth back in its socket.
- If you can’t replace the tooth, keep it in a glass of either milk or your own saliva.
- Get to a dentist immediately. The sooner you get there, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
Swollen Face from Tooth Infection
A swollen face from a tooth infection is an indicator that you need same-day care. Swelling can travel, making it more difficult to breathe, swallow, or open your mouth. Infections won’t get better, and they can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Call a dentist right now if you see swelling, and go to the nearest emergency room if you are having difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Broken Filling Emergency
Fillings can loosen or break when eating hard foods or just over time. A broken filling emergency leaves your tooth vulnerable to further trauma and decay. You may feel abrupt sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods. Until you have an opportunity to evaluate the situation in a dental office, consider covering the exposed area with dental wax (available at a lot of pharmacies) and avoid biting directly on that tooth.
Why You Need to Act Quickly
When a condition goes untreated, what was once a simple concern can develop into problems that range from small to more serious. For example, a dental cavity not treated can become a serious infection, or a broken tooth can easily split and require a larger treatment. If you seek help sooner, you can experience less pain, lower costs, and a better outcome for your oral health.
Your Smile Deserves Care Today—Call Wetaskiwin Family Dental
When a dental emergency occurs, the last thing you should have is wondering where to go. At Wetaskiwin Family Dental, we will provide you with same-day emergency care so that you can get relief immediately. It doesn’t matter if it is a knocked-out tooth, a significant amount of pain, swelling, or a broken filling; we can help you get back to comfort without worry.
Don’t ignore the problem—call us and we’ll take care of your smile.