Dental emergencies are anything that can’t be fixed on a regular visit to your dentist, such as severe tooth pain, broken crowns, or bleeding gums. Walk-in emergency dentists specialize in taking care of patients with these types of dental problems.
Before you go to your emergency dentist appointment, make sure you have all the important information ready. This includes any medical history or medications you are currently taking.
Toothaches
A toothache can be a sign of many different dental problems. It could be caused by impacted wisdom teeth, or it can also be a result of grinding and clenching your teeth at night. In any case, a toothache is never good and you should see an emergency dentist as soon as possible to avoid long periods of pain.
Depending on the cause of your toothache, you may be able to treat it with rinsing with cold or warm water, as well as taking over-the-counter painkillers. However, it’s best to visit a 24 hour dentist as soon as you can, so make sure you have a trusted resource for finding one.
Before you go to the emergency dentist, it’s important to have some documents with you to prepare for your appointment. You’ll want to have recent documentation, forms, or a detailed receipt from your last visit with your regular dentist, as well as your insurance information.
Root Canals
There’s a soft center of your teeth called the pulp that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, you may experience a toothache and swollen gums. Root canals remove the infected pulp and seal the tooth, preventing further decay and restoring function.
The root canal procedure is performed while you’re under local anesthesia. First, the dentist makes an access hole and removes the diseased pulp tissue. Next, the tooth is disinfected and filled with a rubber-like material. Then a dental crown is placed on the top to prevent further complications.
After the root canal treatment, it’s normal to feel some pain or discomfort for a few days as the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with this. During this time, you should avoid using your tooth as a tool, such as opening packages or chewing on pencils. The best way to avoid the need for root canals is to practice proper dental hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing.
Dentures
Dentures are removable false teeth that replace missing ones in your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. They sit on your gums and are held in place with a type of glue. They come in four different types: conventional full dentures, partial dentures, snap-on dentures, and implant supported dentures.
You should clean your dentures daily to remove plaque and bacteria from them that can damage your real teeth and gums. You should also make sure that they fit well and that no areas of pressure build up on your gums or in your mouth.
A tooth injury is any kind of damage to a real or artificial tooth that requires immediate attention. This includes severe toothaches, chipped or knocked-out teeth, loose or broken braces, and bleeding gums. It is also common to experience trauma from sports and other physical activities. An emergency dentist can treat a tooth injury within 24 hours to restore it to its normal condition.
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can be a sign of serious oral health issues. If left untreated, bleeding gums can lead to a more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. Bleeding gums are typically caused by a build-up of plaque along the gum line. If not removed, plaque will harden into tartar and continue to irritate the gums. Bleeding gums can also be a sign of vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin C and/or vitamin K.
Bleeding gums are easily treated by holding a piece of gauze against the affected area until the bleeding stops. You can also use a cold compress or an ice cube to soothe swollen, bleeding gums. A dental professional will be able to assess the severity of your issue and recommend treatment accordingly. In some cases, your dentist may refer you to a specialist, such as a periodontist. This will ensure that your treatment is as effective as possible.