Your teeth are some of the first things people observe every time you speak, smile, or laugh. They also play a vital part in your day-to-day activities, such as eating and speaking. For this reason, you must take care of them and ensure that any dental emergency is dealt with promptly.
So what exactly constitutes an emergency?
When is a dental condition an emergency?
Dental emergencies are situations that need urgent attention from a dentist. In these circumstances, you shouldn’t wait for a regular dentist appointment to be seen. Instead, contact your emergency dentist for immediate care. Emergency conditions can include:
Knocked-Out Teeth
This is a condition wherein the tooth is completely dislodged from its socket. This leads to excruciating pain that won’t vanish by itself. Plus, it can make eating and speaking tough. The following are a couple of reasons why this takes place:
- Falls and accidents
- Sports-related injuries
- Severe tooth decay or trauma
Severe Toothache
While a mild to moderate toothache may not be an emergency, intense pain that doesn’t go away can indicate an underlying issue. This could point to serious tooth decay, infection, or fracture that requires immediate attention. It’s characterized by intense, unbearable pain in the gums or tooth area.
That’s why dentists recommend dental visits two times a year for professional family dental practice examinations and cleanings to avoid these complications. It also allows them to detect any early indications of problems and recommend the ideal treatment before they end up being more severe.
Lost or Loose Dental Appliances
These include dentures, crowns, bridges, orthodontic bands, and retainers. Occasionally, these appliances can come off caused by accidents or oral problems like gum infections. If it arises, it can lead to moderate to extreme pain, discomfort, and difficulty eating and talking. Your dentist may be able to return the device.
But if it is entirely lost or broken beyond repair, they may need to replace it, which can be pricey. On the other hand, how can you pay for the expense of dental aligners like Invisalign or other dental equipment? It’s important to consult your dentist before making final decisions.
Broken Teeth
This type of dental emergency usually happens after injuries or falls. A broken tooth may cause bleeding, swelling, and immense pain. If it’s not addressed immediately, it can result in further complications, such as infection.
Infection
This major dental emergency can quickly worsen if left with no treatment. A severe infection in the gums or tooth area can cause unbearable pain, high temperature, and swelling. It’s essential to seek urgent medical attention to minimize significant issues.
Pain While on Invisalign or Traditional Braces Treatment
If you are using dental braces, sudden and persistent pain can be an indication of a problem. It may indicate that the wires or brackets have shifted and need to be readjusted. It may also suggest that a gum infection must be attended to. This is one of the possible risks that patients with traditional braces face if they don’t practice good dental hygiene.
Similarly, Invisalign treatment can cause pain if the aligners are not correctly adjusted. In such situations, you should contact your dentist for quick assistance. Also, it’s always a good idea to select a qualified and experienced dentist in the first place to receive quality dental services. Meanwhile, if you are concerned about the placement of your Invisalign aligner, you may schedule a dental checkup through websites like https://azuredentalsf.com/invisalign-provider/.
In Conclusion
Dental emergencies can be unpleasant and agonizing, affecting your daily activities like eating and speaking. You should seek immediate medical attention from a qualified, experienced dentist whenever you experience any of these conditions to avoid more complications and ensure your dental health is protected in the long term.
