Emergency Dental Care
Dental emergencies can occur at any time and can cause serious pain and discomfort. Knowing what types of dental issues constitute a dental emergency can help you determine when to contact a dentist and how to prepare for your appointment.
Preventing dental emergencies starts with good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help ease the pain and reduce swelling until you can visit a dentist.
Toothache
Tooth pain is the most common reason for emergency dental care little rock ar. It occurs when the inner tooth pulp (the sensitive nerves and blood vessels) becomes inflamed. This can be caused by a variety of things, from gum irritation to cavities or infections.
While over-the-counter painkillers can help reduce tooth pain, the best course of action is to call a dentist right away and schedule an appointment. Until you do, you can try to ease the discomfort by applying pressure on the affected area or using a cold compress.
Unlike medical emergencies, where patients can visit their regular doctor or go to the hospital, most dental problems require immediate treatment from a dentist. Fortunately, emergency dental services offer evening and weekend appointments, as well as walk-in hours to accommodate urgent cases.
Broken or Knocked-Out Teeth
Even small breaks can result in nerve injuries and infection. This kind of dental emergency needs immediate care from a dentist to prevent further damage and preserve the tooth’s structure.
When a tooth is knocked out, patients should call the dentist immediately, even after office hours. This step is essential because knocked out teeth have a very short window when they can be successfully reattached.
If a tooth is knocked out, rinse it gently and try to put it back in its socket using light pressure. If it can’t be repositioned, store it in milk or saliva (not standard tap water which could kill the root cells). Patients should see an emergency dentist within one hour of the injury. Knocked out teeth cannot be reattached after this window has passed.
Lost Fillings or Crowns
Fillings and crowns can help save teeth that have been affected by tooth decay, restoring their structural integrity and preventing future problems. However, they are not immune to unforeseen events and may come loose or fall out entirely. While a lost filling or crown is not necessarily a dental emergency, prompt treatment can relieve discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.
If possible, locate the missing tooth restoration and bring it in with you to show your dentist. Over-the-counter dental cement can be used to temporarily reattach the crown or filling, if it can be found. Sugar-free gum can also be pressed into the hole left by a lost filling, offering temporary relief and protection until you can see your dentist.
During your emergency dental care little rock ar appointment, the dentist will conduct a thorough evaluation of the exposed tooth to determine the cause of the loss and its impact on the health of your mouth. Then, they will create a new restoration and address any other concerns to resolve the problem.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a pus pocket that contains bacteria in the mouth, requiring immediate treatment by a dentist. Symptoms include severe or throbbing tooth pain, noticeable swelling of the gums, sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, pressure in the jaw or mouth on that side, and a foul-smelling or salty fluid when pressed (called a fistula).
If not treated, a dental abscess can rupture on its own, or the infection can spread to the bloodstream and to other parts of the body, including the brain. If this happens, you will need to be treated at a hospital emergency department.
Warm salt water rinses and over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease symptoms until you can get to a dentist.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Patients that experience soft tissue injuries (such as sprains or strains) should seek treatment right away. This may include resting, icing, or using pain relief medications. Ice should be applied several times a day (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off).
Significant soft tissue injuries are often accompanied by swelling and bruising. In some cases, a simple sprain or strain can be accompanied by a vascular injury and become life-threatening.
Covington Family Dentistry has extensive experience with dental emergencies and is committed to helping patients manage these situations. Its referral service helps patients find dentists who offer evening, weekend, or walk-in hours for urgent dental care. Patient feedback has shown that this service can be a critical resource for addressing dental emergencies.
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