A dental emergency is simply any dental illness that requires urgent, if not immediate, intervention. A general medical practitioner can offer some intervention procedures, but in most cases, it is the dentists who provide medical interventions for dental emergencies. A dental emergency, if left unattended, could lead to severe ramifications, for instance, the spread of infection to distant areas of the body, like the brain. Some symptoms that patients with dental emergencies portray include and are not limited to pain, swelling, and the presence of blood or pus from the gums.
1- Bleeding After a Tooth Extraction
Getting your tooth extracted is a surgical procedure that takes a lot of time, and the patient is usually under anesthesia. Afterward, the patient is reviewed and discharged from the ward. The healing process then begins. However, there have been instances where, during the healing process, the patient develops complications, and as a result, bleeding occurs post-operation. Sometimes it may be as a result of trauma post-operation or inadequate formation of a blood clot at the healing area.
2- Having a Broken Tooth
The enamel, also known as the outer protective layer of the tooth, is usually removed when a person’s tooth gets broken. The result of the broken tooth can be excruciating pain if the chip is enormous, and in other cases, that can be an inlet for a severe infection. Having a broken tooth can also cause tooth sensitivities and a lot of discomfort to the patient, especially during chewing or ingesting of warm or cold foods. It is advisable to consult with a dentist to understand the nature of the broken tooth and plan for management.
3- When Gums Start Bleeding
Gums hold teeth in place since they support the roots of the tooth. The moment you start bleeding from your gums and they swell, it signals an infection in the gums. Injury to the gums can cause them to bleed. Bleeding is profuse in the case of sharp trauma and mild for blunt trauma. In such an event, the patient would require emergency dental services to prevent complications arising from the issue.
4- Excruciating Toothache
Teeth are not supposed to have any ailment or ache. Once a person starts feeling pain in the area of their teeth, that symbolizes there is an issue with their teeth. The more the toothaches, the more troubling the signal it gives off. Toothaches can be caused by anything, and getting them checked out will help you know the exact cause and treat it.
5- Gum Abscesses
An abscess on the gums is usually pus-filled and a sign of infection. In such an instance, the patient can visit a dentist and have lab investigations done to determine the causative agent of the abscess. The dentist then manages the abscesses accordingly.
6- Extruded Tooth
An extruded tooth is a partially dislodged tooth. In most instances, it is a dental emergency that requires urgent intervention. Some of the symptoms of an extruded tooth include pain and discomfort when chewing.
Other symptoms can include visible misalignment of the tooth, increased sensitivity to temperature, and even bleeding or swelling of the gum around the affected tooth. Immediate treatment typically involves repositioning the tooth and stabilizing it, usually with a splint. This is critical not only to alleviate pain but also to prevent further damage or infection.
Additionally, it’s important to follow up with regular dental visits to ensure proper healing and to prevent potential complications, such as root resorption, where the body starts to break down the root of the tooth, or infection that could compromise other teeth. Prompt and effective treatment of an extruded tooth can significantly improve the prognosis and might save the tooth from extraction.
