What are common dental emergencies and how can I detect them?

Soft tissue injuries and uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth

Any bleeding in the mouth which does not stop after a few minutes is potentially dangerous can be life-threatening and is considered a dental emergency. 

Uncontrolled bleeding can occur during accidents when nerve-carrying blood gets hit, or any injuries to the soft tissues such as the tongue, gums, cheeks and lips.

Uncontrolled bleeding can also occur after a tooth extraction procedure. While it is normal to experience some pain and bleeding after your dental visit, if the symptoms persist, call your dentist to arrange an emergency visit.

Chipped, broken or loose Teeth

Broken or loose teeth can cause serious problems if not treated properly. A chipped or broken tooth can hurt. If you break or chip a tooth, save any pieces, rinse your mouth out with water immediately and apply cold compresses to the area. Do not put anything else in your mouth and call your dentist right away. Loose or missing teeth can lead to jawbone loss, which can result in severe complications.

Knocked out tooth

If you have a knocked-out tooth, save the tooth and bring it to your dentist right away as knocked-out teeth have the highest chances of being saved if they are seen by the dentist and return to their socket within one hour of the incident.

Dental Abscess

Abscesses are infections that occur in the gum line or around the root of a tooth and are caused by bacteria. Abscesses can also be the result of an untreated cavity or periodontal gum disease. Abscesses are a serious condition and can damage tissue and surrounding teeth, with the possibility of the infection spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated. If you notice any swelling around your mouth, you should contact your dentist immediately.

Toothaches 

There are many causes for toothache and swelling, it can happen because something is stuck in your gum, a damaged filling, a bacterial infection or tooth decay. Minor toothaches may come from temporary gum irritation, but serious toothaches need treatment by a dental professional to resolve the pain. If you don’t treat a toothache, it can affect your overall health and well-being. So, visit your dentist as soon as possible. Symptoms of a serious toothache include, sharp pain, throbbing or constant pain, swelling around the tooth, fever and headache. 

Dental emergencies vary in severity and indicators although neglecting dental problems increase the risk of permanent damage, as well as the need for more expensive treatment later on. At humm we have partnered with many dental providers that can assist you in dental emergencies. You can secure your treatment now and pay later with regular, interest-free instalments.