Dental Emergency - 5 Types of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies are a serious oral health problem that demands prompt attention to alleviate pain, prevent complications and preserve the tooth and surrounding structures. However, many patients are unsure of what constitutes a dental emergency and may delay seeking treatment until their symptoms worsen. This is especially true for patients with undiagnosed or untreated dental conditions or those with limited access to dentists. This article aims to provide an overview of the five most common types of dental emergencies and how they should be managed.
Although the exact definition of a dental emergency may vary slightly depending on the individual clinician, it is generally accepted that it is a situation requiring immediate medical attention due to intense pain or significant bleeding in the mouth. It also includes situations that can cause severe damage if not addressed promptly, such as a knocked-out or fractured teeth or a dislocated jaw. While most dental emergencies are treated in a dentist's office, some require treatment by a healthcare professional other than a dentist, such as an emergency room physician or a cardiologist.
In the case of a knocked-out tooth, the first step is to locate it. It is not uncommon for the tooth to spit out, so it is important to carefully pick up the tooth by its crown and avoid touching the root. If it is possible to reinsert the tooth, do so with gentle pressure and hold it in place with your cheek or gums. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, put it in a glass of milk or some other type of fluid to keep it moist.
Severe dental bleeding can be difficult to stop and should be immediately addressed. A rolled piece of gauze or a clean cloth is best, but even a napkin can help. Patients should try to control the bleeding by biting down on a piece of gauze or a cloth for 15 minutes.
While most dental emergencies are a result of an accident or trauma, some may also indicate the presence of an underlying disease or condition. For example, a dental abscess, an infection in the tooth or gums that needs to be treated with antibiotics, can lead to fever, swelling of the face and jaw and pus oozing from the affected area.
Another example of a Dental Emergency is alveolar osteitis, a post-extraction complication that occurs when the fibrin clot that normally forms at the site of extraction fails to form or is disrupted. This is a dental emergency that can be difficult to diagnose and treat, but if not treated immediately can lead to significant complications, including prolonged pain and compromised airway.