Yikes! You can feel something has gone wrong in your mouth. Instead of panicking, know what to do and when to seek out help immediately. Look for a “24-hour emergency dental clinic near me” to find a dentist who will attend to your oral health problem as soon as possible. It is important to take care of dental issues right away so you can avoid a bigger problem.
What is Emergency Dental?
If you experience extreme pain or sensitivity in your oral cavity, you are likely in an emergency dental situation and will require aid within 24-72 hours. A walk-in dental clinic in SW Calgary will determine the severity of your circumstance and offer advice and treatments to remedy the issue.
Common Types of Dental Emergencies
To help you figure out if your situation requires emergency dental, check the list below of common reasons you may need this type of treatment. Of course, if you are unsure, always contact your dentist who will let you know if immediate aid is necessary.
- Dislodged Tooth – Have you completely lost your tooth? If you see it lying around, pick it up and place it in some water, milk or saline solution then get to your dentist right away. If you can get to your Calgary emergency dentist within half an hour there may be a chance of saving your tooth and having it placed back in its socket. If not, your dentist will provide the next course of action to replace it. Teeth play a huge role in helping you speak and chew. A full set of teeth also maintains your facial structure to avoid a sagging jawline.
- Chipped Tooth – A chipped tooth may not require immediate assistance but should still be taken care of quickly. Damaged teeth put your oral health at risk and are susceptible to bacteria which can cause other dental problems. If left unattended, you risk losing the entire tooth. Depending on the severity of the damage, treatment options may range from a filling or bonding, cap or crown to veneers, or a root canal.
- Continual Bleeding with Swollen Gums – Once in a while, your gums may bleed due to an accidental poke with a toothbrush or while eating something hard. This should normally stop within minutes. A substantial amount of blood or swollen gums could be a sign of periodontitis or jawbone disease. Profuse bleeding from your mouth indicates the need to seek out a “24-hour emergency dental clinic near me” so your dentist can determine the essential course of action. The treatment can range from simple tooth scaling and root planing to laser periodontal surgery. If your gums are bleeding from something else like vitamin K deficiency or diabetes, a different plan will come into play.
What to Expect During Emergency Dental Care
- Emergency Dental Examination – Your dentist will need to know if you have experienced any trauma to your oral cavity to determine the source of the problem. Following a visual examination, they may use diagnostic X-rays to see if there is further damage that is undiscoverable with the naked eye. They will be able to let you know what procedure is required and can perform it right then and there. It is important to inform your dentist of any medical concerns or allergies you may have to avoid complications with any pain inhibitors or anesthesia that may be required.
- Anesthetic Help – Dental anesthetics may be provided to help you feel comfortable during the treatment. Sedation is another option that may be offered if a complicated treatment is required or if you have dental anxiety.
- After Care – To prevent further damage to your oral cavity and avoid complications, your dentist will provide you with instructions on follow-up care of your mouth. They will monitor the healing process to ensure the treatment is working properly. Soon, your mouth will feel normal again.
Help Yourself Out
There are many ways you can take care of your gums and teeth to avoid dental emergencies. Some of these are:
- Brushing and flossing regularly – When you have good oral health you are less likely to end up with dental issues resulting from built-up plaque and tartar.
- Mouthguard – Choose to protect your teeth from being knocked out by wearing a sports mouthguard during your activities. A fall or ball to the face during a game of soccer or football can lead to a disastrous dental emergency.
- Avoid Chewing Extremely Hard Items – It is always a bad idea to use your teeth to open a can of pop or a bottle of beer. You can damage the enamel in an instant. Also, stay away from crunching down on ice cubes as they can easily chip or break your teeth. Jawbreaker candy is better left in the store but if you do want to have one, lick it until it starts to dissipate instead of taking a large chunk out right away and finding a chunk gone from your tooth.
Taking Charge of Your Dental Situation
When you take the right measures, you are more likely to avoid the need for a dental emergency procedure, but in the event of an unforeseen accident, we at Glenbrook Dental, are here to help. You can stay calm knowing we are the “24-hour emergency dental clinic near me” that you need. We have the right tools to solve any dental problem.