Emergency Dentistry
Quality emergency dentistry can play an important role in preventing or reducing the otherwise devastating impact of acute health problems or traumatic injuries. Emergency dentists have to make complex decisions based on the patient's injury or illness. Their primary focus is stabilizing the patient as quickly as possible and determining the best course of action. Patients' serious illnesses and even death can be avoided by fast and effective dental interventions followed by a skilled assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Let’s take a look at the most common dental emergencies. ToothachesEveryone experiences a mild form of toothache in their lifetime due to a temporary irritation in the gum. For most patients, the pain can be resolved - with or without treatment - after a few days. However, if the pain persists for several weeks and keeps getting worse, you could be looking at an emergency situation that requires immediate attention. If the toothache is accompanied by swelling, it may require urgent attention. Try not to use temporary remedies such as aspirin or painkillers because they don’t address the core reasons for a toothache. Instead, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek and call Dr. Thomas Crowgey and for early intervention. It is absolutely essential to follow the dentist’s instructions after the treatment, including basic oral hygiene and avoiding certain types of foods, activities, and medications. Bruised TeethOur teeth and their connective tissue are constantly exposed to chewing forces that result in wear and tear. In some cases, teeth ligaments get bruised from the excessive pressure of biting on food particles. Over time, this can cause tooth erosion by wearing away the tooth and may even become painful. The best course of action is to apply a cold compress to the area of the face nearest to the bruised tooth. This will relieve pain and reduce swelling. In the meantime, make an appointment at Everglades Family Dental for emergency dental care. Our dentists may advise you to avoid crunchy or hard foods that can damage your teeth. Emergency Root CanalA root canal is useful for patients dealing with extreme tooth pain due to an infection or damage. Sometimes, the infection makes its way to the nerve and pulp. Several things can affect the pulp chamber; these include trauma from an accident, infection, and tooth decay. This will require immediate dental care services, usually through root canal therapy. Common signs that you need an emergency root canal include:
Excessive Bleeding that Doesn’t StopYou may need emergency dental care if you are experiencing severe bleeding that doesn't stop. Bleeding is often a sign of injury to the gums or teeth or an underlying infection - both of these need to be treated immediately. Our dentists will examine the gums and teeth and recommend appropriate treatment to stop the bleeding and treat the gum disease. As a rule, if the bleeding does not stop after 24 to 48 hours, you should seek emergency dental care or go to the nearest dental care center. Oral GrowthsOral growths may be caused by the connective tissue around the moth, including muscles and nerves, and even bones. Most cases of mouth growth are not cancerous in nature, but an expert should inspect them to rule out serious illnesses. Common causes of oral growths include repeated trauma, yeast infections, warts, oral HPV, and excessive use of tobacco. In some cases, oral growth may be a sign of oral cancer (one of the most prevalent forms of cancer that require urgent care). Our dentist will screen for possible cases of cancer and use tools to identify abnormalities that may go unnoticed by the naked eye. Metallic Taste in the MouthA metallic taste in the mouth may be caused by serious illnesses such as liver and kidney problems, certain types of cancer, and undiagnosed diabetes. Sometimes, it may be caused by an old filing that is cracking or loose. The filling can increase your risk of cavities, tooth decay, and infections if left untreated. Loss of ToothLoss of a tooth often occurs due to trauma or gum disease. In fact, gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. It is a serious infection that can lead to bone and tooth loss. Make sure to call a dentist if you’ve lost your tooth. It is important to identify the cause of tooth loss before replacing them with appropriate devices such as tooth implants and crowns. Dental implants often require drilling into the jawbone to support the replacement artificial tooth. Not all patients are suitable candidates for dental implants, especially if they have experienced excessive bone loss and have poor oral health due to smoking or alcohol consumption. Jaw PoppingMost cases of jaw popping are not serious and will subside on their own. However, you may require emergency dental treatment if you recently sustained a facial injury that can dislocate or break the jaw. Your dentist may ask you to eat softer foods, take anti-inflammatory medications, apply ice packs to the affected area, and perform relaxing exercises. Damaged or Broken Orthodontic AppliancesOrthodontic appliances, such as braces, mouth guards, and dental implants, are designed to last for several years. They are made of durable metals that can withstand the mouth's constant chewing forces. However, they can break, become loose, and start poking your cheeks and gums. This can cause severe pain and even reverse the progress made in straightening the teeth. You need immediate dental care if the orthotic device is damaged or loose. Contact Us if You Are Experiencing a Dental EmergencyCall us today at (754) 764-0465 and make an appointment with our professional dentists! |