Any type of dental emergency that occurs should be taken seriously. However, not all forms of trauma are the same. While some can be stabilized at home until your emergency dentist in Brampton can examine you, there are other situations that require you to head to your local emergency room immediately. So you won’t be left to guess, read on to discover what the difference is between the two types of dental trauma so you can get the help you need.
What’s Considered a Dental Emergency?
While a dental emergency can cause a sudden pain sensation or profuse bleeding, not all situations can be treated with the same sense of urgency. For more typical forms of trauma, there are steps you can take at home to temporarily calm the symptoms. But even if you’re successful, it’s critical that you still visit an emergency dentist to have the issue treated so you can fully recover.
Here are the typical types of dental trauma a dentist can treat:
- Toothache
- Chipped or broken tooth
- Dislodged tooth or dental fixture
- Foreign object stuck between teeth
To aid in your recovery from either of these situations, it’s important to remain calm so you can fully assess what has happened. Then, reach out to a local emergency dentist to get the help you need.
What to Do if You Can’t be Seen Immediately
If you’re dealing with severe pain and swelling, you can take ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) and apply ice to the inflamed area in 15-minute increments. In the event of a broken tooth, gather any dislodged pieces in a baggy and take them with you when you visit the dentist.
For a dislodged tooth, grab it by the crown (the wider portion) and carefully rinse it under cool water, being cautious in handling it, as not to remove any tissue that is still attached. Then try to reinsert the tooth, but if that’s not possible, then place it in a cup of milk or water with salt added. Because this is a very time-sensitive matter, it’s important that you reach out to an emergency dentist immediately to request a visit.
When It’s Necessary to Head to the Hospital
If you receive a cut to your soft tissue that causes bleeding that lasts more than 10 minutes, then you should head to the emergency room to be treated. You also need immediate care for a broken or dislocated jaw, or an abscess that has caused swelling that affects your breathing or ability to swallow.
By taking swift action, you can decrease the amount of suffering you have to endure and get the professional attention you need. Ultimately, by being better prepared for how to respond, your recovery can be much smoother.
About the Author
Dr. Vince Fava is a graduate of the University of Toronto. With over 20 years of experience in the dental world, he combines a wealth of knowledge and compassion to help his patients fully recover from dental emergencies at Torbram Dental. Dr. Fava can be reached for more information through his website.