Dental emergencies come in many forms. We’re looking here at the signs that someone is dealing with a dental emergency and what they should do.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Most instances of oral pain do not constitute true “dental emergencies.” However, if dental issues are left untreated, even fairly minor discomfort can pose serious health risks so it is important to take it seriously. There are, however, some symptoms that will call for an immediate trip to the dentist.
- Severe tooth pain
- Swelling of the gums or jaw
- Bleeding from the mouth or gums
- Loose or loss of a tooth/teeth in adult
- Broken crown(s)
Causes of Dental Emergencies – and What Do To
If the pain is sudden, severe and persistent and unresponsive to an icepack, a saltwater rinse, and over-the-counter pain medication, emergency dental care is required. Even in the absence of pain, swelling in the jawbone calls for emergency care, as this may be a sign of an infection. Similarly, swollen and bleeding gums can be a sign of a serious infection. If you are having issues with a broken or loose dental crown could be indicative of a larger issue such as tooth decay under the crown or improper placement. And remember that tooth loss as an adult is NOT normal and calls for immediate action. If you can, pick up the tooth without touching the root and rinse it without scrubbing. If possible, replace it in its socket in the gum; if not, place it in a container of milk or water and get to the dentist as soon as possible.
Note that, in every one of these cases, the most important step that an individual can take is to get to a dentist as quickly as possible!
Emergency Dental Care in Prairieville and Baton Rouge, LA
If you’re in the Prairieville or Baton Rouge areas and think you might need an emergency dentist or want to be prepared “just in case”, dentist Dr. Danny Palm and the teams at both Palm Family Dentistry locations are on hand to provide quick, high-quality care in your moment of need.