Dental emergencies are more common than you think, and can happen at some surprising places and times. From biting or hard candy to a sports injury or car accident, there are numerous instances when you might experience a dental issue that requires immediate care. If you do not receive the right care, this dental condition could worsen, and result in more serious complications like complete tooth loss. Luckily, there is a branch of dentistry that deals with such issues. Emergency dental care involves offering prompt care for patients, even after hours. Here are some common issues Yonkers emergency dentistry addresses.
1. Knocked Out or Fractured Tooth
There are numerous potential causes for a knocked out or fractured tooth, including falls, sudden mouth injury, vehicle collisions, and more. The great news is that although uncomfortable, a knocked-out tooth could be reattached if you react fast and carefully handle the dislodged tooth. Seek out emergency dentistry care within 30 minutes of losing your tooth, taking care not to handle the knocked-out tooth by the root.
2. Infected Tooth
A tooth infection can also cause a dental emergency. A tooth infection might result in a tooth abscess, which is a pocket of puss stemming from a bacterial infection. If left untreated, the infection can cause serious health issues, invading the gums and possibly damaging nerve endings in the jaw.
If you experience a throbbing and persistent toothache, and suspect it could be a dental infection, seek emergency dental care. Meanwhile, you can reduce the discomfort you are experiencing with over-the-counter painkillers.
3. Mouth Sores
Mouth sores could result from abrasions caused by braces inside the mouth or canker sores. Although it is easy to assume that you can manage the issue by yourself using an antiseptic gel, it is important to consult a dentist.
Mouth sores could also be a warning sign of gum disease. Early identification of gum disease is often crucial to successful treatment as it allows you to adopt preventative measures and keep the mouth sores from worsening.
4. Fractured Jaw
The jaw is one of the most fractured bones in the body. Sports injuries, falls, and traffic collisions are all common culprits. Besides, a dislocated jaw can result from an aggressive yawn or when biting into something hard.
A fractured jaw can also lead to teeth misalignment, or malocclusion. Your emergency dentist will identify any possible long-term damage to your dental structure caused by the broken jaw, and suggest appropriate care.
5. Bleeding Gums or Teeth
Bleeding in the oral cavity might mean you have gingivitis or gum disease. Although these oral health issues are no immediate reason for panic, you should still consider visiting a dentist immediately to have it checked out. While gum disease is often the cause of bleeding gums or teeth, it could signify oral cancer in some cases.
There is nothing worse than realizing something is wrong with your mouth, partly because it is hard to examine the issue yourself. Besides, most oral issues tend to cause serious discomfort that could be daunting enough to make it hard to execute your everyday activities. While some dental emergencies are manageable with at-home first aid solutions, others require a specialist.
Whether you have a knocked-out tooth, fractured jaw, infection, or another issue, your emergency dentist can offer a comprehensive diagnosis and tailored care plan. If you suspect you have a dental emergency, do not hesitate to talk to your dentist immediately.