Dental emergencies are common and can occur in any age group. These situations may not be under your control, but you can manage them until you receive dental care. Being calm and handling an emergency will help prevent further damage.
The pediatric dentist in Fairland, MD, is qualified and skilled to handle dental emergencies for children with utmost care and compliance. Dive in to explore dental emergencies, what can cause them, and how can you manage them until you reach your dentist.
An introduction to dental emergency
A dental emergency is a sudden onset of a particular situation that requires immediate care and attention. Certain injuries to your teeth and surrounding soft tissues can become serious, leading to further damage. It is essential to contact your dentist immediately or go to the emergency room for treatment of a dental emergency.
Symptoms that indicate an emergency:
- Uncontrolled bleeding from your gums or soft tissues
- Persistent and excruciating pain that does not subside with medications
- Broken teeth and facial bones
Types of dental emergencies
The following conditions are considered dental emergencies with their etiology and management tips until you receive dental care:
Persistent toothache
- Etiology
- Tooth cavity
- Fracture
- Dental trauma
- Wisdom tooth eruption
- Management
- Gargle your mouth with warm salt water
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling
Knocked out tooth (Avulsion)
- Etiology
- Trauma
- Fall
- Managment
- Do not touch the roots, and handle the crown carefully
- Rinse the tooth to remove debris without scrubbing the tooth
- Submerge the tooth in milk or saliva until you reach the dental office
Dental intrusion (tooth pushed into the jawbone)
- Etiology
- Extreme forces from trauma
- Management
- Rinse the child’s mouth with cold water
- Place ice packs to reduce swelling
- Offer painkillers to relieve pain
- Seek emergency dental care
Tooth luxation/Extrusion/Lateral displacement (tooth displacement)
- Etiology
- Fractures and trauma
- Management
- Place a cold compress on the affected area
- Offer pain relief medication
- Consult your dentist immediately
Other emergencies include:
- Dental concussion
- Injured cheek, lip, and tongue
- Fractured jaw
- Head trauma
Final note
A dental emergency is any injury to your mouth that causes uncontrolled bleeding, persistent pain, or a broken tooth that may impair your oral form and function. Children are always indulged in physical activities and play and thus are more prone to trauma and falls. Left untreated, a dental emergency can lead to further damage and complications. Thus, prompt and timely treatment is crucial.
