What Are the Common Emergency Dental Situations?
1. Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection and can occur in different areas near the tooth for various reasons. It is considered a dental emergency due to its potentially serious health implications if left untreated. This condition can cause severe dental pain and discomfort, making it difficult to manage without professional help.
When you come to our office, we will examine your mouth and the affected area. Some possible treatment options we can recommend include:
- Drainage of the abscess
- Root canal treatment
- Tooth extraction
- Antibiotics
- Pain management
2. Tooth Injuries
A tooth injury is often considered a dental emergency. The type and severity of the injury will dictate the level of urgency, but any damage to the teeth or gums should not be ignored as it can potentially lead to more serious complications.
Common types of tooth injuries that require immediate attention include:
Broken Tooth
A broken tooth can happen due to trauma, tooth decay, large dental fillings, bruxism, age, sudden temperature changes, or even biting into something hard. Whatever the reason may be, it’s essential to seek treatment right away to avoid further damage or infection.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth or “avulsed” tooth is a dental emergency that needs immediate attention. This results from falls, sports injuries, assaults, and accidents.
Luxations
This refers to the loosening and displacement of teeth due to trauma. Immediate dental care is necessary to realign and stabilize the tooth.
The treatment for dental injuries depends on the severity of the damage. Sometimes, a simple filling or bonding may fix the tooth. However, a dental crown or root canal may be necessary if the damage is extensive. Our Pompano Beach emergency dentist will assess your broken tooth and provide you with the best course of treatment in the shortest possible time.
3. Severe Toothache
A severe, persistent toothache is one of the most common dental emergencies. It can be caused by various factors such as a cavity, impacted wisdom teeth, infection, or even tooth grinding. Regardless of the cause, a toothache can be excruciating and require immediate attention.
The following symptoms may indicate that you have a toothache:
- Throbbing pain in your tooth or jaw.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Swelling in the gums around the affected tooth.
- Difficulty sleeping due to severe pain.
The treatment for a toothache will depend on the underlying cause. In most cases, a filling or root canal may be necessary to address the issue. If there is an infection present, antibiotics may also be prescribed. Our emergency dentist in Pompano Beach, FL, will diagnose the cause of your toothache and provide you with the appropriate treatment.
4. Uncontrolled Bleeding
Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth is a serious dental emergency that requires immediate attention. It can occur due to various reasons, such as trauma, recent dental surgery, or advanced gum disease. Regardless of the cause, it’s crucial to seek medical help as soon as possible because excessive blood loss can lead to more severe health issues, including shock.
Our treatment plan will depend on the cause of the bleeding.