10 Common FAQs about Dental Emergencies

Emergencies can happen for various reasons. For instance, you might take your morning run only to fall, severely injuring your teeth and mouth. While you can’t always be able to prevent dental emergencies, having an emergency dentist in Quincy, MA, ensures that you get reliable and prompt dental care when you experience sudden and severe dental symptoms.

Like most people, you might need clarification about what to do when a dental emergency strikes. For the various issues that can happen, below are answers to the 10 most asked questions about dental emergencies that you should know.

● What is a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies are any dental issues characterized by severe and sudden oral symptoms like bleeding, pain, swelling, fever, and infection. Usually, these symptoms interrupt your normal routine, and you might experience difficulties working, sleeping, eating, and speaking. Contact our dentist near you in Quincy, MA, if you’re experiencing severe oral symptoms.

● What can I do if I have something stuck between my teeth?

A severely chipped or broken tooth can cause significant pain, swelling, and bleeding. If such a case, you should seek emergency dental care near you. If the damage hasn’t caused any significant symptoms, it could expose your tooth to infections and fractures. Therefore, it’s always best to see a dentist right away.

● What do I do for a chipped or broken tooth?

Sometimes food particles or objects can get trapped between teeth, hurting your teeth and gums and causing great pain and bleeding. You can try to remove the object with dental floss or a toothpick. Avoid using anything sharp, like a pin, as it can further hurt your teeth and gums. If the object doesn’t come off, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment.

● I have lost a filling. What should I do?

A lost filling isn’t likely to cause any severe pain or symptoms. While waiting to see a dentist, you can use sugar-free gum or cement to cover the cavity. However, losing a filling make your tooth vulnerable to fractures and infections. Therefore, you still need to see your dentist as soon as possible. Seek emergency treatment if you experience severe pain, swelling, or bleeding.

● What can I do to relieve a toothache?

A toothache can be caused by severe tooth decay, dental trauma, gum disease, and something clogged between teeth. You can try flossing or brushing to remove the fragments if something is stuck between your teeth. You can also take pain medications like ibuprofen and aspirin. A cold compress can also help reduce tooth pain. Contact our emergency dentist near you immediately if the pain won’t subside or worsens.

● What do I do for a knocked-out tooth?

Seeking emergency care for a knocked-out tooth improves the dentist’s chances of saving your tooth. As you wait for help, try placing the tooth back in the socket gently. If not possible, rinse the tooth gently and preserve it in a glass of milk or water.

● What if my kid’s baby tooth is knocked out?

Generally, a baby tooth doesn’t need replacing. Still, you should see an emergency dentist as soon as possible. They will inspect the child’s condition to determine how to fix the issue.

● I have jaw damage. What do I do?

Jawbone damage of any kind requires immediate medical attention. Jawbone injuries can be accompanied by serious symptoms like difficulties breathing, talking, or eating, numbness of the injured part of the jaw, jaw infections, bleeding, and severe pain.

● What should I do if my face or gums are swollen?

Oral swelling is often a symptom of infection. It can indicate gum disease, tooth decay, and jawbone problems. Sometimes swelling can be accompanied by pain, fever, and abscess. Emergency dental care is essential to address the root problem. In the meantime, try placing a cold compress on the side of the swollen face.

● What are the common signs of dental emergencies?

Common signs you might have a dental emergency include:

• Severe tooth damage like chips and breaks
• Knocked out or loose tooth
• Swollen gums and face
• Lost or damaged restorations
• Severe soft tissues injuries
• Dental abscesses
• Severe tooth and gum sensitivity
• Popping or painful jaw
• Metallic taste or unexplainable bad breath

Schedule an appointment today

Are you looking for emergency dental care near you? Contact Quincy Dental Associates to book your appointment today.