Emergency Dental Care
Urgent Dental Treatment
When someone is suffering from severe pain or other serious dental issues, emergency dental care may be needed. Although many people experiencing oral issues can wait to schedule a regular appointment with their dentist, some situations require immediate treatment. Emergency dental care is necessary in certain acute situations and can stop severe pain, prevent chronic issues, and even save an individual’s life.
Emergency dental care is available at Cedar Grove Dental Group in Cedar Grove, NJ and the surrounding area. It may be difficult to understand what constitutes an emergency when it comes to dental problems. However, there are certain signs that indicate when someone should pursue more immediate care.
Ignoring a dental issue can have long-term consequences and can affect other teeth, the gums, or the underlying jaw bone. Knowing when a regular or emergency visit should be made can help control the problem more efficiently. Call us at (973) 857-0567 if you have dental questions and are unsure whether you should seek emergency treatment.
When should you seek emergency dental care?
The American Dental Association warns that dental emergencies can be life-threatening, just like other health conditions. Immediate attention is needed for serious issues such as infection, ongoing bleeding, and certain traumas involving facial bones that can obstruct the airway. Seeking prompt dental care can prevent unnecessary trips to the hospital emergency room. In addition to uncontrolled bleeding and difficulty breathing, there are many other urgent dental conditions that require immediate attention. Symptoms of these issues should prompt an appointment to be made right away.
- Infection: Infection can occur due to various reasons and may be localized or widespread. Common symptoms include swelling, red gums, pain, and pus pockets. Fever may also be present.
- Pulpal Inflammation: Pulpal inflammation refers to the swelling of the pulp, which includes the tissue, blood supply, and nerves in the center of a tooth. Often caused by a cavity infection, it is characterized by sensitivity, swelling, and pain.
- Dry Socket: Dry socket can develop after tooth extraction, especially wisdom teeth. It occurs when a blood clot dislodges or fails to form properly, exposing the bone and nerves. Symptoms include throbbing jaw pain, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- Tooth Fracture: A tooth fracture can result from an acute injury or biting something hard. While a visible break may be easy to spot, other signs include pain, temperature sensitivity, and swelling.
“Serious issues that need immediate attention include infection and ongoing bleeding.”
Emergency Dental Care Procedures Covered
The type of procedure used will vary depending on the symptoms and issue at hand. In cases of infections, the dentist will address the problem by removing decay or prescribing antibiotics to eliminate harmful bacteria. Pulpal inflammation can be caused by various factors such as cavities, injuries, fractures, or repetitive trauma. Treatment options may include disinfecting and sealing the tooth or removing it altogether.
In the case of a dry socket, Healthline explains that the dentist will clean the socket to prevent infection, alleviate pain, and pack it with gauze. Pain medication may also be recommended for relief. Treatment for a fractured tooth can range from bonding and crowns to root canals or extractions, depending on the severity of the issue.
“The specific type of procedure used is largely dependent on the symptoms and issue.”
Non-Urgent Concerns
If you are unsure whether a situation is an emergency or not, it is best to schedule an immediate appointment with your dentist. For example, while some bleeding after a dental procedure is normal and should only last 24 to 48 hours, intense and uncontrollable bleeding should prompt a visit to the dentist right away.
Certain dental emergencies, such as a small crack or chip in a tooth, a lost crown, filling, or bridge, a dull toothache, or food stuck between teeth, can typically wait a day or two to be seen.
“Certain signs that indicate potential emergency situations are also signs of non-emergency ones.”
Suffering is unavoidable
Experiencing pain in your mouth can be a sign of different dental problems, ranging from minor to severe. If the pain is dull or comes and goes, it's likely okay to wait for a regular appointment. But if the pain is sharp and constant, it's considered an emergency and you should schedule an immediate appointment, even if there are no other symptoms. WebMD also notes that jaw pain could indicate more serious dental issues.
