You take good care of your oral health and make sure to see your dentist routinely for preventive care. But, no matter how careful you are, it’s not uncommon to experience a dental emergency in Jacksonville. One survey found that about 22% of people in the US have experienced some sort of dental pain in the last six months.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most common dental emergencies and what to do when dealing with one.
6 Common Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency is any condition that leads to severe dental pain, swelling, or oral bleeding. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies people experience:
-
Toothache
If you’re dealing with a persistent or severe toothache, that may be a sign of an underlying problem such as decay, infection, or an abscess.
-
Chipped or Broken Tooth
If you hit your face or bite something hard and noticed that your tooth was chipped or broken, it may be a good idea to call your dentist immediately. While a chipped tooth isn’t always an emergency, if you also experience throbbing pain or you can see the pulp of the tooth, it’s best to get urgent dental care.
-
Knocked-Out Tooth
Accidents, falls, or blows to the face can cause a tooth to be knocked out. This is an emergency that requires immediate attention if you want to save the tooth.
-
Lost Filling or Crown
A filling or crown can become loose and fall out while eating, for example. While it may not seem that urgent, leaving the tooth vulnerable to bacteria can increase the risk of further decay and damage.
-
Abscessed Tooth
An abscess is an infection that can occur at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth. It’s often painful and can lead to serious systemic complications if not treated promptly.
-
Soft Tissue Injuries
If you’ve injured your lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums and are experiencing profuse bleeding, you should get medical care immediately.
What to Do in Case of a Dental Emergency
Here’s what to do when experiencing any of the dental emergencies above:
- Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food that might be trapped between teeth.
- Chipped or Broken Teeth: Rinse your mouth and save any pieces that you can find.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: If you can find the tooth, hold it by the crown and rinse the root with water if it’s dirty. If possible, try to put the tooth back into its socket place or store it in a glass of water or milk. Time is of the essence here so try to see your dentist within 1 hour of it being knocked out.
- Lost Filling or Crown: Use dental wax to cover any sharp edges or to protect the tooth until you can see your dentist.
- Abscesses: Use OTC medication to control the pain and see your dentist as soon as possible.
- Soft-Tissue Injuries: Rinse your mouth with a mild salt-water solution to control the bleeding. See your dentist immediately or go to a hospital emergency room if the bleeding doesn’t stop.
Remember, these are all temporary solutions. To treat the tooth and preserve your oral and overall health, you need to see a dentist right away.
If you are in Jacksonville, FL, and need urgent dental care, you can count on the Jacksonville dentists at Dental Center Of Jacksonville. Call us right now at (904) 262-9466 and tell us about your emergency.
For regular appointments, you can also contact us online.