In this article, we discuss how 24/7 emergency dental care works and the most common procedures.
How 24/7 Emergency Dental Care Works
If you have sustained oral trauma or are experiencing a severe toothache, you can call an emergency dental office to arrange a same-day appointment. Often, you will be asked about the nature of your issue to determine whether you require dental care or an ER visit is more appropriate. In some cases, you might be given recommendations for first aid you can implement while you wait for your appointment.
If your issue requires immediate dental care, you will be scheduled for an appointment promptly. Do not forget to bring your identification documents to the office, as you will need to fill in the documents related to your visit.
Some dental offices offer online consultations, may prescribe pain medications or antibiotics if necessary, and schedule your appointment for the same day or a later date.
Emergency dental offices typically treat acute oral infections or trauma and provide procedures such as tooth extractions, tooth restorations, abscess drainage, and root canal therapy.
However, in cases when the infection has spread to the other tissues in the body, becomes life-threatening, or an oral trauma has resulted in severe damage to the jaw, head, and neck, you might be advised to go to an ER before seeing a dentist.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Let us look at the most common dental emergencies and their symptoms.
Severe Tooth Infection
The following symptoms typically characterize severe tooth infection:
- Acute toothache (in some cases, can be unmanageable with over-the-counter painkillers)
- Swelling in the gum around the infected tooth
- Swelling in the face and jaw
- Persistent bad breath and unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Changes in the color of the tooth (the tooth can become gray, brown, or black)
- Pimples or cysts on the gums or pus in periodontal pockets
- Fever (when combined with the other symptoms)
Severe tooth infections can be treated with root canal therapy, or you might require an emergency tooth extraction if the infection is too extensive.
A Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Tooth
When a tooth is cracked or chipped, the inner dentin may become exposed to bacteria, leading to a tooth infection or even tooth loss. Prompt care and restoration are always required to prevent these issues. Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth might be treated with root canal therapy or dental bonding, depending on the extent of the damage.
A Dislodged or Knocked-out Tooth
A dislodged or knocked-out tooth can be repositioned in its socket and heal over time if immediate care is provided. It is necessary to see a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes of the injury to save the tooth.
Do not try to put the tooth back in its socket by yourself, as you might damage the nerves. If the tooth is completely knocked out, keep it moist on your way to the dental office by placing it in a clean container filled with milk or saliva, or between your gums and cheek. Do not use water or soap to clean the tooth, do not rub it with tissues or cloth, and do not store it in water.
Lost or Broken Dental Restoration
If you break or lose a dental restoration (such as a dental crown or a filling), bacteria will have access to the inner part of the tooth, and infection can develop quickly. That is why it is important to repair or receive a substitute restoration in a timely manner.
Receive Emergency Dental Care at Maz Endodontics
If you have sustained an oral trauma or experience a severe toothache, do not hesitate to contact our office and make an appointment with an experienced endodontist. We look forward to helping you restore and maintain your oral health.