The Most Common Dental Emergencies And How To Prevent Them

B] List of Common Dental Emergencies

1. Toothache

This is one of the most common dental emergencies that may require immediate care to alleviate pain and discomfort. The causes of toothache can be many; severe tooth decay, dental infection, etc. If you are experiencing extremely unbearable pain, then dial our after hours dental emergency centre.

2. Dental Abscess

It is usually caused by a bacterial infection, dental abscess refers to the collection of pus inside the tooth, in the bone, or gums. This infection gradually builds up if not taken care of and in most cases, can spread to your jaw as well as other areas of your head or neck. This would require emergency tooth extractions to keep the infection from spreading further. For this, sedation dentistry services are available.

3. Wisdom Tooth Extractions

You may require an emergency wisdom tooth removal. In the event of a wisdom tooth abscess, which can cause you acute pain. Here, a wisdom tooth extraction procedure is needed to prevent damage to your gums. Here, too, sedation is available for extractions.

4. Broken Filling

Dental fillings are a common treatment that helps replace natural tooth material caused by tooth decay. Over time, it can get worn out due to drinking, eating, teeth grinding, or clenching and needs replacement. In cases, where the filling falls out during eating, the tissues are exposed, which can cause sensitivity and pain. If that happens, then you will need emergency dental care.

5. Chipped Tooth 

It can be caused due to an accidental fall or while eating something hard. If only a small piece of the tooth is chipped off, the dentist might suggest a filling. If that damage is extensive, especially if it is a front tooth, then the dentist might suggest bonding, wherein a tooth-coloured composite resin is used. During an emergency, temporary treatment is suggested by the emergency dentist, until you can visit a dental clinic.

6. Broken Denture

Emergency dental care services are required if you have fractured, chipped, or popped off the entire denture. It mostly happens if you have bitten into a hard piece of food or if you have accidentally dropped it on a hard surface. No matter how it chipped off or got broken, you need to repair it, or else it will feel loose and unstable, causing you discomfort. While in some cases, you might decide to wait until the next appointment, it is, however, best to make use of a dental emergency 24 hours clinic to ensure that there is no further damage. Further reading: Best and worst food for your teeth

7. Painful Ulcers

While mouth sores or mouth ulcers can be quite painful, they usually heal by themselves within a week or two. There are some over-the-counter treatments available that can help speed up the recovery process. However, if it takes more than two weeks to heal, then it is a sign of an underlying problem. Thus, here, you need to visit your GP or dentist, or if the sore becomes infected, then you need to call the after hours dental emergency helpline.

8. Broken Teeth or Knocked-out Tooth

These are some of the other most common types of dental issues that require emergency dental care services. In case of a broken tooth, you need to rinse your mouth gently to remove the broken pieces. To relieve pain and keep the swelling down, you can apply a cold compress on the outside of the mouth, lips, or cheek. Likewise, if the tooth is accidentally knocked out, hold the tooth by the crown, gently rinse the tooth to remove dirt, and place it back into the socket (if possible), or else place it in a small milk container.

Accidental Trauma to Teeth including:

• Broken Jaw
• Tooth/Teeth moved out of position
• Tooth/Teeth Luxation (dislocate)
• Bleeding and Sore Gums

9. Partially Dislodged Tooth

A dislodged tooth is considered a dental emergency. Teeth can be partially pushed into or out of their sockets in accidents. This can result in infection, damage to nearby teeth, or ultimate tooth loss without treatment, pain, and cosmetic concerns. Stabilising the tooth quickly is necessary to preserve its health and function.

10. Lost Crown or Bridge

A dislodging of a dental crown or bridge can expose the shape of the underlying tooth and increase sensitivity and pain. Chewing, and even drinking liquids could become painful. In this case, immediate dental care will be required to reattach the crown or could make a temporary solution until such time as permanent restoration is done. Keeping the crown secure and bringing it to the dentist is vital for a better chance of recovery.

11. Object Stuck Between Teeth

If some objects get stuck between your teeth, they could ache and cause irritation. At this time, the object could even be harmful to the gums. If you try to remove the object with force, using a sharp tool, the situation could worsen. Emergency dental care would be needed for the safe removal of the object without causing any more damage to the tooth or the gums.

The Basics of Preventing a Dental Emergency

Preventing a dental emergency may not always be possible, but, you can reduce the risk with some proactive steps. Here are a few key pointers:

• Maintain Regular Checkups: Visiting your dentist two times a year can help trap issues like cavities, gum disorders, or weakened teeth before they turn into emergencies. Routine tests and cleanings are important.
• Practise Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing twice a day and flossing daily keeps your tooth and gums in premiere condition; it minimises the risk of infections or decay that would result in a dental emergency.
• Wear a Mouthguard: If you engage in contact sports or grind your teeth at night time, wearing a mouthguard can prevent cracked or chipped teeth.
• Be Careful with Your Diet: Avoid chewing on hard items like ice, popcorn kernels, or candy, as they can cause teeth to crack or fillings to break.
• Avoid Using Teeth as Tools: Never use your teeth to open packages or bottles, as this can lead to breakage.

By following those fundamental steps, you may reduce your chances of facing a painful and sudden dental emergency.

C] Why Choose Oris Dental for Your Emergency Dental Care?

We realise that dental emergencies can be stressful, and the final element you need to cope with is searching for help while you’re in pain. That’s why we offer our after-hours dental emergency helpline, giving you access to professional advice and care when you need it most. We provide emergency dentistry services to support you,  whether it is an unexpected toothache, a broken filling, or something more severe.

Oris Dental organises your urgent needs by putting you in touch with emergency dentists you trust in Kawana, Caloundra, and Maroochydore. Our committed network will fast-track you to prompt, professional help for your tooth crisis. If you are hit with a sudden toothache or even a knocked-out tooth, know that we will be here to find immediate care for your problem. Trust us to match you with a trustworthy emergency dentist so that your dental health is restored quickly and professionally and much of your pain is reduced.