Dental emergencies can happen anytime, and there are many reasons to seek an appointment with your dentist on short notice. Whether it is swollen gums, a broken tooth, or a toothache, many things can happen that call for an emergency dental visit. Dr. Juan Borja and the team at Delray Medical & Dental handle all types of dental emergencies. Here is everything you need to know about dental emergencies.
Dental examination
After you check into a dental clinic, the dentist conducts a thorough examination to determine the nature of the emergency. Your medical history is evaluated before any treatment is recommended. Your dentist may even conduct an X-ray to get an impression of your teeth.
The dentist inspects the mouth for any signs of infection, gum inflammation, or fracture. Exposed nerves require urgent attention as they can cause pain. The doctor also checks if there are any changes in the crowns or if there is damage to the wisdom teeth. Sometimes pain can be caused by a wisdom tooth trying to emerge.
Pain management
The main reason most people seek emergency dental care is to manage pain. If the pain is excess, the dentist takes vital steps to establish the cause. Although pain medication can ease the pain temporarily, treating the infection requires the administration of antibiotics.
The doctor may inject the area with medication for quick relief. If there is swelling, antibiotics are prescribed.
Pain may be due to an underlying condition that may require another appointment. Normally an emergency visit provides temporary solutions to allow for tests. Your doctor may order an emergency tooth extraction if the tooth is damaged beyond repair.
Additionally, the doctor can restore a crown or loose filling temporarily. Broken braces or wires can also be replaced during an emergency visit. After a filling, you may experience pain when the anesthesia wears off. Also, you may be experience problems with chewing as the teeth may not be well aligned.
A broken tooth can create uneven edges that may press on the gum and cause pain. Your doctor may remove the excess tissue and prescribe pain medication.
The teeth may have pores that cause them to be sensitive. At the emergency dental clinic, the healthcare provider may use a de-sensitizer to correct the problem and prevent air entry through the tiny holes.
Removing foreign objects
Sometimes, foreign objects may be stuck between your teeth and become impossible to remove. It is vital not to force it out since it can cause a tooth fracture. It can also cause pain and damage to the gums.
If you are in pain, the dentist examines your teeth and applies local anesthesia to numb the area. The object is removed and pain medication prescribed.
Stopping bleeding
Bleeding in your gums, tongue, cheeks, and lips can be because of several factors. If it does not stop with home remedies, it is vital to seek emergency dental care. Your doctor may stitch and cauterize the area.
Some dental problems can wait. However, if there is pain, swelling, or bleeding, it is essential to contact the experts at Delray Medical & Dental for emergency care.