When to See a Dentist and How to Be Prepared
With every emergency, it is critical to have a plan in place in case something unexpected occurs. While dental crises may not be at the top of your preparation checklist, knowing how to deal with them is just as crucial. You can consult a dentist in Burlingame, CA, for more information.
Understanding dental emergencies
Most people associate dental emergencies with teeth being knocked out. However, several additional sorts of dental emergencies may develop. A dental emergency is any condition with your teeth or gums that requires quick attention from a dentist.
- Toothaches
A toothache may appear to be a minor issue, but it may quickly escalate into a major issue, particularly if the pain is severe. While over-the-counter pain medicines might help temporarily, it is important to consult a dentist right away. Waiting too long may exacerbate the condition, and there is no way to determine the cause of a toothache without having it inspected by a dental specialist.
- Infected tooth
Tooth discomfort can occasionally be caused by an infection, which can lead to a dental abscess, which is dangerous and requires rapid treatment. A dentist may assess the illness and provide the best treatment strategy to prevent it from spreading and heal the afflicted region based on an examination and X-ray.
- Knocked out tooth
Teeth can be knocked out when playing sports, tripping, or falling. If this happens, carefully clean the tooth and try to re-insert it into the socket if possible. If this is not possible, immediately put it in a glass of milk. It may sound weird, but this enhances the likelihood that your tooth may be preserved while in transportation to your emergency care facility.
- Broken or chipped tooth
A broken or chipped tooth may not appear to be an emergency, but it should be treated as such. Not only may it be painful, depending on where the shattering happened, but there may also be shards of tooth or root tips in your mouth that need to be expertly removed to avoid infection and other problems. When a tooth breaks or chips, keep whatever fragments you can and bring them to your dentist visit.
- Lost dental restoration
A crown, implant, or bridge may get damaged or fall out. If this happens, do not try to repair it yourself. Make sure to keep the restoration secure and go to the dentist to get it properly repaired.
- Gum disease
Gum disease is a gum infection that, if not treated swiftly and efficiently, can cause tooth loss. If you detect any changes in your gums (such as redness, swelling, or bleeding), it is crucial to consult a dentist straight away.