6 Problems That Constitute a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies often catch us off guard, ranging from urgent to mild. While some, like uncontrollable bleeding, demand immediate attention, others can be sneakier and hide behind minor symptoms.

Dismissing any potential dental emergency can have terrible implications for your oral health, regardless of how severe it is. Here, we'll explore six common problems that call for a visit to an emergency dentist in Georgetown, KY, and why you shouldn’t ignore even the slightest discomfort.

Look Out for These Six Dental Emergencies

Problem 1: Severe Toothache

Severe toothaches can occur due to decay, infection, or trauma to the tooth, and ignoring them can worsen the pain and spread the infection to surrounding teeth and gums.

If you have a toothache that doesn’t go away, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater, gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped debris, and take over-the-counter pain medication if needed.  

Afterward, make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to address the underlying cause.

Problem 2: Knocked-Out Tooth

In the case of a knocked-out tooth, you need to act quickly because there's a short window of time during which a dentist can reinsert the tooth into its socket.

If your tooth gets knocked out, handle it carefully by the crown (top part) and avoid touching the roots. Rinse the tooth with milk or saline solution to remove dirt, but do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments.

Try to put the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place. If you can’t do it, store the tooth in milk or saliva and seek emergency dental care immediately.

Problem 3: Broken or Cracked Tooth

Broken teeth can result from biting on hard objects, trauma, or untreated cavities. Ignoring a fractured or cracked tooth will only make the problem worse, leading to more damage, infections, and increased pain.

If you break or crack a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid chewing on the affected side and seek dental care promptly. Treatment options may include:

• Dental bonding
• A dental crown ‍
• A root canal

Problem 4: Lost or Loose Dental Filling

Dental fillings may become loose or fall out because of wear and tear, decay, or trauma. Patients who ignore a lost or loose filling can expose the tooth to bacteria, which makes it more likely to suffer from decay and further damage.  

If you lose a filling, rinse your mouth with warm water and avoid chewing on the affected tooth. Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to have the filling replaced or repaired.

In the meantime, you can use temporary dental filling material available at pharmacies to cover the exposed area.

Problem 5: Abscess or Swelling

Dental abscesses can develop from untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or injury. If you notice a swollen, pimple-like bump on your gums accompanied by severe pain and fever, it might signal an abscess.

Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and seek urgent dental care. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics and may need to perform a root canal or drain the abscess to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

Problem 6: Bleeding Gums or Mouth Injury

Bleeding gums or mouth injuries may happen as a result trauma, gum disease, or vigorous brushing. When left unaddressed, this issue can progress to gum disease, a condition that damages the tissues supporting the teeth and can ultimately lead to tooth loss.

If you experience persistent bleeding gums or a mouth injury, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and apply pressure to the affected area with a clean gauze or cloth.

If bleeding persists or if the injury is severe, seek dental care promptly. Your dentist can assess the cause of bleeding and recommend appropriate treatment to address the underlying issue.

Looking for a Qualified Emergency Dentist in Georgetown, KY?

If you're experiencing a dental emergency or need dental care, contact Georgetown Sedation Dentistry today to schedule an appointment. Our team is here to provide you with the care and relief you need. Call today!