Visiting the dentist is a common fear, yet the importance of doing so is undeniable, especially in the face of dental emergencies. Immediate attention is crucial in preventing further complications and alleviating discomfort. This then begs the question — what exactly constitutes a dental emergency? In this article, we help you familiarise and identify urgent oral health situations, providing insight into taking appropriate action and ensuring prompt care.
Learn more: Enhance Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry
Tooth Fractures
Manifesting in different forms, tooth fractures vary in severity based on their extent and location. Enamel fractures are more common, affecting only the outer layer of the tooth such as chipping or cracking. Chipping is typically caused by sudden impacts or biting down on hard objects, while cracked teeth may occur due to dental trauma, grinding or biting into hard foods. On the other hand, dentine fractures extend beyond the enamel. This type of fracture can stem from dental trauma or decay and may be detected through symptoms like pain or sensitivity. As fractures can worsen, leading to increased pain, sensitivity and risk of infection, seeking timely intervention from a dental specialist is vital to prevent further damage and preserve the tooth’s function and structure.
Severe Toothaches
Unlike mild toothaches typically caused by sensitivity or minor dental decay, severe toothaches are characterised by intense and persistent pain, often indicating significant underlying issues such as advanced decay, dental abscesses, gum diseases or dental trauma. These conditions can lead to throbbing pain that might radiate to the jaw, ears, or even the head, accompanied by swelling and fever. Over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs and rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can temporarily ease discomfort as you await dental services and care. However, do note that swift and professional support is always recommended compared to alternative self-medication or remedies.
Knocked-Out Teeth
Source: Cosmetic Dentists New York City
When a tooth is completely knocked out, immediate and proper action increases the chances of successful re-implantation. Make sure to handle the tooth carefully by the crown and avoid touching the root which contains delicate cells necessary for reattachment. Any damage to these cells can reduce the likelihood of re-implantation. Immediate implantation of a permanent tooth is preferable. However, for those who are not comfortable reimplanting the tooth, storing it in milk or saline solution can also help preserve the tooth until professional care is available.
As the success rate of re-implantation decreases with time, seeking dental attention, ideally within 30 minutes to an hour after the injury is highly advisable. If the tooth is deemed to be suitable for re-implantation, dental specialists may attempt to reinsert it into the socket, positioning and stabilising the tooth using dental splints to aid in the healing process.
Lost Fillings or Crowns
Addressing lost dental restorations quickly is crucial to protecting the underlying tooth structure and preventing additional damage. Fillings, dental crowns or bridges not only restore the appearance and function of the teeth, but they also provide structural support and protection to weakened or damaged teeth. Without the restoration barrier, bacteria can easily infiltrate the tooth, making it vulnerable to further decay, fracture, infection and damage. The exposed tooth may also be more susceptible to sensitivity, pain and discomfort, affecting your ability to chew and speak comfortably. Promptly resolving lost dental restorations allows the dentist to assess the damage, repair or replace the restoration and prevent potential complications.
Ultimately, regardless of the type of dental emergency, one aspect remains constant — the importance of seeking timely professional dental care. Delayed treatment may compromise your oral health, necessitating more extensive and costly solutions. Always reach out to your dental specialist in Singapore should you encounter any issues to ensure optimal dental health and function!
At Atria-City Dental, we are dedicated to providing gentle and quality general and specialist dental care for families in Singapore. With a comprehensive range of solutions including gum treatment, dental implants, teeth whitening and more, we are well-positioned to manage all your dental health concerns.
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