Emergency dentists are a type of dental professionals who primarily cope with emergency issues related to teeth and oral health. They typically have basic dental knowledge and skills similar to regular dentists, as well as the ability to handle emergency situations. Emergency dentists can provide a variety of emergency treatments, such as suturing oral wounds, treating abscesses and infections, and providing pain relief. According to a dentist near New Westminster, they can also address acute problems like broken or dislodged teeth and infections in the tissues surrounding the teeth. Emergency dentists usually dispense their services in hospitals or dental clinics to help patients in need of urgent dental care. If you experience the following, it is best to seek the help of an emergency dentist as soon as possible:
Sudden and severe toothache: this may be a symptom of a tooth infection or another emergency situation that requires urgent treatment to alleviate pain and avoid complications.
Tooth injury or trauma: if your tooth has been hit or injured due to an accident such as a fall or collision, you may experience symptoms such as pain, looseness, or fracture, and you need to seek urgent treatment as soon as possible.
Tooth loss: if your tooth is knocked out, it may require timely emergency dental treatment to be re-implanted.
Serious infection in the oral cavity: if you have a severe infection in your mouth, such as gingivitis or abscess, you need to receive urgent treatment as soon as possible to avoid the worsening of symptoms.
Tooth pulpitis or periodontitis: tooth pulpitis or periodontitis may cause symptoms such as toothache, abscess, and tooth looseness, and it requires urgent treatment.
In general, if you have severe toothache, infection, injury, or other emergency situations, you need to seek the help of an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Timely treatment can help you avoid worsening pain, the appearance of complications, and tooth loss.
What Are the Most Common Emergency Dental Problems?
Here are some common dental emergencies:
- Tooth pain: Tooth pain can be a symptom of problems such as cavities, gum disease, or pulpitis. If the pain is severe or lasts a long time, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
- Broken or cracked tooth: A tooth can break or crack due to an accidental impact, fall, or biting on something too hard. This can cause the pulp to be exposed and lead to pain. If this happens, seek dental help as soon as possible.
- Loose or missing tooth: A loose or missing tooth is usually caused by accidental injury or other reasons. This condition needs to be treated by a dentist as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
- Periodontitis: Periodontitis is a bacterial infection that can cause symptoms such as swollen gums, bleeding, and loose teeth. If the gum is painful or bleeding severely, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
- Mouth ulcer: Mouth ulcers are usually caused by a weakened immune system, oral trauma, tobacco use, or stress. If the ulcer lasts a long time or is very painful, consult a dentist.
These dental emergencies may require urgent treatment. If you experience any of these problems, contact a dentist as soon as possible for help.