What Are Examples of Dental Emergencies?
The key defining characteristics of a dental emergency are that they require immediate attention while posing no threat to your life or other areas of the body. For example, if a person were to get into a car accident and lose a tooth, but also have signs of a concussion or fractured/broken bones, this would be a medical emergency and would require you to go to an emergency room. By comparison, if you are playing sports and a tooth gets chipped/cracked, and there are no other injuries, this would be a dental emergency. We can usually categorize dental emergencies into three main types.
- Damaged Teeth: When most people think about dental emergencies, they will likely think about a lost adult tooth, a broken/chipped tooth, or other damage directly to the teeth and gums. These are all examples of emergencies that require same-day treatments.
- Damaged Dental Restorations: Dentures, fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants are all examples of dental restorations. Just like natural teeth, they can fall out, get chipped, break into pieces, or crack. Just like healthy teeth, damage to restorations often exposes the inside of a tooth to bacteria, which can lead to severe infection and tooth loss. Patients who lose a filling or notice that their crown is shifting in place should see a same-day dentist.
- Severe Dental Symptoms:Â A toothache that won’t go away, or any dental pain that makes it difficult to eat/chew, are examples of severe dental symptoms. Likewise, patients should be aware of the signs of a dental infection. Pus in the mouth, a strong odor or bad taste, or sensitivity to temperatures, can all be signs of bacterial infection. Early intervention is the best course of action before the infection spreads.
How Do You Handle Children’s Dental Emergencies?
Kids are sometimes accident-prone. When playing sports or playing on the playground at recess, the risk of a sudden dental injury can be a bit higher. Moreover, kids often see a greater risk of dental decay and cavities. When a dental emergency happens to a kid, it is important that parents and nearby adults know what to do. You need to schedule an emergency walk-in dental appointment with an office that works with kids and has the staff and equipment to treat children. Beyond that, it is important to help keep the kids calm and address symptoms. For example, a cold compress can help with pain or swelling. If a child loses an adult tooth, it should be carefully handled and submerged in either milk or a saline solution (many first aid kits have tooth-saving kits within them). If a child loses a baby tooth, it does not need to be brought with you. If there is bleeding, you should use gauze or a clean cloth and apply light pressure. The most important thing is to be calm and help keep your kids calm.
How Soon Should I See a Dentist?
It is important to seek urgent dental care as soon as possible in cases of injuries, accidents, or other emergencies. Without prompt treatment, your condition may worsen. This can have lasting effects on your overall oral health and cause unnecessary pain. If you or your child experiences any pain, swelling, or bleeding, be sure to seek out treatment as soon as possible. Only a trained dental professional can provide the prompt care you need. Our doctor will perform an examination, assess your condition, and provide treatment to relieve your symptoms and restore your good oral health.
Emergency Dentists in Cicero & Chicago, Illinois
Our twelve dental offices across the Chicagoland area provide emergency dental treatments for patients of all ages. We specialize in caring for kids and teens, and can also help adults with complex dental issues, including dental implants. For more information, please contact one of our offices.