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When Is Emergency Dentistry Necessary?

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All dental problems need attention from a dentist, but how can you tell when you need emergency dentistry rather than waiting for a routine dental appointment? Take a look at this list of situations in which it is necessary to visit an emergency dentist.

1. Dental Injuries

If an accident has caused one of your teeth to fall out or become loose, then you need to visit an emergency dentist. Dentists can reattach teeth that have been knocked out, but it is necessary to act fast. Teeth die quickly after they are detached from the gums, although you can prolong their life by keeping the tooth submerged in saliva, milk or clean water. Bring it to an emergency dentist as quickly as possible and it might be possible to reseat it in the gum.

Emergency dentists can also help with injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. If you are bleeding heavily, go to an emergency dentist right away. The dentist can carry out emergency oral surgery to stop the bleeding and repair the damage.

2. Infections

When you have an oral infection, it is necessary to get rapid treatment. Antibiotics can stop infections in their tracks, but without treatment, an infection can spread through the gums, reach the bloodstream and start to affect other body parts. In extreme cases, oral infections that go untreated can even be fatal.

If you have signs of infection, call an emergency dentist right away. Some of the telltale signs to look out for include foul-tasting pus coming from the infection site, pain that gets rapidly worse and severe swelling in the gums. You might also notice that your gums look very red and are tender to the touch.

3. Severe Dental Pain

While any toothache needs attention from a dentist, pain that is only mild can usually wait for a regular dental appointment. Mild pain is most often a symptom of a cavity that needs to be filled. However, severe dental pain is a sign of a much more urgent problem. You should never ignore pain that interferes with your ability to work, sleep or eat. Call an emergency dentist right away.

Using pain relief medication is a good way to relieve pain prior to your emergency dental appointment. One option is paracetamol or ibuprofen. Do not use aspirin, which thins the blood and can make excessive bleeding more likely during your dental appointment. To learn more, contact an emergency dentist.


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