What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Not all tooth ache is an emergency, but some situations should definitely not be waited for. The best way to determine whether it is an emergency or not is to follow this guideline: “If you are in a lot of pain, are bleeding, or have lost a tooth, it is an emergency.”
Some common situations that are emergencies include:
- A Knocked-Out Tooth: If you are playing sports or get into an accident and your tooth ends up knocked out, then this is definitely an emergency. If you are able to get to the dentist within an hour, then you might be able to save your tooth.
- A Cracked or Broken Tooth: Although this could be just a small chip in your tooth, it could also be quite painful and expose the inside of your tooth.
- Severe Swelling: If you are experiencing a lot of swelling in your face and/or gums, this could be a sign that you are infected and should seek immediate care to stay healthy.
You may be enjoying your dinner and go to take a bite of something crunchy when you experience extreme pain from your mouth being bitten in half or from hearing a loud “bang.” You may also experience pressure in your teeth from sleeping too much because they ache so badly it sounds like you have two drums in your head.
These types of events always seem to happen at the worst possible times like prior to an upcoming meeting, over a holiday period, or even worse after you’ve put your car in the garage on a Sunday evening. When a Dental emergency happens, it’s normal to feel anxious and have no idea what to do next; therefore at Merrion Square Dental we want to help keep you calm and provide you with guidance in case of an unexpected Dental emergency.
Handling Problems with Restorations
Many of us have had work done on our teeth in the past. You might have crowns, bridges, or dental implants. While these are built to be very strong and last a long time, accidents can still happen. If you have dental implants, they usually feel just like natural teeth. However, if implant feels loose or if the area around it becomes very sore and red,
you should treat it as a Dental emergency. Implants are a big investment in your smile, and catching a small issue early can prevent bigger problems later on. The same goes for crowns that fall off keep the crown safe and call your dentist immediately so it can be put back in place.
First Aid at Home
While you are waiting to see us at Merrion Square Dental, there are a few simple things you can do to stay comfortable:
- Rinse with Warm Salt Water: This is a classic trick for a reason. It helps clean the area and can soothe irritated gums.
- Use a Cold Compress: If your face is swelling, hold a cold pack to the outside of your cheek. This helps numb the pain and bring the swelling down.
- Save the Tooth: If a tooth is knocked out, try to put it back in the socket without touching the root. If it won’t stay, put it in a small cup of milk. This keeps the root “alive” while you rush to the clinic.
Why You Shouldn't "Tough It Out"
We all know that many people are a little nervous about visiting a dentist, especially when they are in pain. You might be tempted to just take some painkillers and hope that the pain goes away on its own.
Dental problems do not just magically cure themselves. A small infection can turn into a large abscess, and a small crack can cause a tooth to fall out. Visiting a professional will not only make the treatment easier, faster, and more affordable, but it will save your tooth.
We Are Here to Help
At Merrion Square Dental, we take pride in creating a helpful and inviting environment. We will not allow you to feel anxious or have feelings of embarrassment when you are experiencing a dental issue. Our main goal is to eliminate your pain as quickly and effectively as possible so that you may return to your everyday life.
Whether you have concerns regarding your natural teeth, or you have questions regarding dental implants, we will treat you kindly and provide you with expert advice in a gentle manner. We will communicate to you in a straightforward manner so that there is no time when you are feeling confused about what was done during your appointment.
A Healthy Smile for the Future
The best way to handle an emergency is to try and prevent one! Regular check-ups help us spot weak spots or early signs of trouble before they become painful surprises.
If you are currently experiencing pain or if it’s just been a while since your last cleaning, don’t wait for a crisis to happen. Explore our website to see how we can help you keep your smile strong, healthy, and bright for years to come. Remember, we are only a phone call away!