Dental emergencies can take a variety of forms. For better and for worse, almost all dental emergencies have a trait in common. This is for the “better” because it ensures that we all at least notice these issues. And the “worse” side? It’s often because they really hurt!
Today, we’re looking at the telltale signs of various dental emergencies and what you should do when they arise.
What Are the Signs of a Dental Emergency?
While not all dental discomfort calls for emergency care, there are a number of unmistakable signs that immediate care is in order:
- Severe toothache that is unresponsive to all at-home remedies
- Unexplained swelling of the gums or jaw
- Bleeding from the gums for no apparent reason
- Loose adult (permanent) teeth
- Broken or loose crown(s)
- Loss of a tooth, whether due to decay or trauma
What Do To When Faced With a Dental Emergency
- Severe, unrelenting toothache. While no toothache will “just go away,” some require more urgent attention than others. Most toothaches can be held in check until you can get to the dentist with some combination of icepacks, salt water rinses, and over-the-counter pain medication. If a toothache is sudden, severe, and unrelenting, seek out emergency care.
- Swelling/bleeding of the jawbone or gums. Swelling in the jawbone or the gums or unexplained bleeding from the gums are sure signs of an emergency. These are often signs of infection or dental abscess (pocket of pus around a tooth) that can result in tooth loss, gum disease, jawbone deterioration, and spread to other parts of the body.
- Tooth loss. Whether due to trauma or decay, loss of permanent teeth is not normal and requires emergency dental care. Fortunately, immediately taking the following measures can help to save the natural tooth!
- Without touching the root, pick up the tooth
- Rinse the tooth without scrubbing
- If possible, place the tooth back in its socket in the gum; otherwise, place it in a container of milk
- Get to a dentist ASAP!
Emergency Dentist in Charlotte, NC
If you’re in Charlotte and in immediate need of an emergency dentist or just want to ensure that you’re prepared, dentist Dr. Heather Gentry and her team at Gentry Dental are here to provide top-quality care when you most need it!