Stay Calm, Act Fast: Dental Emergencies Decoded and Action Plans Revealed

Dental emergencies can cause enormous pain, uncontrolled bleeding, and other serious symptoms, leaving you scared and uncertain about what to do. However, recognizing the signs of dental emergencies and how to handle them can make the situation easier and manageable until you find professional help.

In this article, let’s discuss common signs that indicate a dental emergency, how to respond to them, and when to call for emergency dentistry treatments in Calgary, AB.

Identifying Common Signs and Symptoms

The following signs and symptoms often indicate a dental emergency and should prompt you to seek immediate dental care near you:

• Severe toothache. Severe, unbearable tooth pain that prevents you from performing simple tasks like speaking or sleeping clearly indicates you need immediate attention. The dentist will alleviate your discomfort and determine the underlying causes to prevent further complications.
• Knocked-out tooth. If your tooth is knocked out or dislodged from the socket, it can be restored if you see a dentist immediately, preferably within one hour. Any delay lowers your chances of saving the tooth.
• Tooth fractures, cracks, and chips. Severe tooth damage can cause significant pain, sensitivity, swelling, and soft tissue injuries. Seeing a dentist immediately is essential to relieve your symptoms and prevent further issues.
• Soft tissue injuries. Severe injuries to the cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums that cause uncontrolled pain, bleeding, or swelling should prompt you to seek immediate dental attention.
• Tooth abscess. A painful, pus-filled bump or pimple on your gums or near a tooth’s roots often indicates a serious infection. Immediate dental care is essential to prevent the infection from spreading to other body parts.

Immediate Action: What to Do in a Dental Emergency

In a dental emergency, stay calm and try the following first-aid remedies to manage your situation until professional help is available.

• Severe toothache:
• Rinse gently with warm salt water
• Use dental floss to remove trapped debris between your teeth
• Take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen
• Apply a cold compress or ice packs on the cheek against the painful area
• Knocked out tooth:
• Pick the tooth by the crown (avoid touching the root)
• Rinse the tooth gently without removing any fragments or scrubbing
• Try to insert the tooth into the socket
• If not possible, preserve the tooth in your saliva or glass of milk. Do not store in water.
• Tooth chips, cracks, and breaks:
• Locate and preserve any parts of the tooth
• Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
• Apply a cold compress against the area to keep any pain or swelling down
• Avoid chewing or biting anything
• Use dental wax to protect the sharp edges of the tooth
• Soft tissue injuries:
• Rinse your mouth with warm water
• Apply a cold compress against the area to minimize pain and swelling
• Take painkillers to reduce pain
• Use a gauze and apply gentle pressure on the area to minimize bleeding
• Dental abscess:
• Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater
• Take pain medications to ease pain
• Apply a cold compress to keep any swelling or pain low

The Importance of Contacting an Emergency Dentist

While the remedies mentioned above or measures can temporarily relieve dental emergencies, contacting a dentist for emergency dentistry in Calgary is critical as soon as possible.

Unlike your general dentist, emergency dentists operate outside normal office hours and can quickly diagnose your condition and address the underlying issues, alleviating discomfort and preventing further complications. For instance, in case of a dislodged tooth, an emergency dentist can restore the tooth, protecting your dental health and preventing the need for replacement treatments like implants.

The emergency dentist can perform other procedures like tooth extractions, root canal therapy, and dental fillings based on your condition. Sometimes, the dentist can stabilize your condition and recommend you follow up with your dentist for more extensive dental care.

Contact our emergency dentistry in Calgary.

Do you have a dental emergency? Prompt intervention is critical to alleviate your discomfort and address the underlying issue. For more about dental emergency care near you, contact East Hills Dental Clinic.