When you have a dental emergency, it is vital to seek care as quickly as possible. This is because delaying treatment can lead to worsened symptoms and even permanent damage to your teeth.

Dental emergencies can include severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, or the loss of a filling or crown. However, most ERs are not equipped to treat these issues.

Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth

A broken tooth is more serious than a chipped one and is often considered an emergency, especially if you are experiencing severe pain, swelling or bleeding. It’s a good idea to call your dentist right away, as putting off treatment can result in infection and other complications, including permanent damage to the affected area.

Knocked-out teeth can usually be saved, but only if they are treated immediately and reimplanted soon after. If possible, the tooth should be rinsed with saliva or milk and placed back in its socket, a process called reinsertion or replantation.

If a knocked-out tooth is not replaced within the hour, it may die and become permanently damaged. In addition, the injured person is at risk of inhaling or swallowing the tooth and experiencing a potential life-threatening injury. To prevent further trauma, it is also recommended to wear a mouth guard or helmet, particularly while playing sports. If a knocked-out tooth appears infected or has jagged edges, a root canal treatment may be required.

Toothache

Tooth pain is one of the most common urgent dental care Bowling Green KY and it’s usually a clear sign that something is wrong. It’s often intense and doesn’t go away on its own. In most cases, it indicates that the pulp inside a tooth has been irritated and this could be an indicator of advanced gum disease or a cracked tooth.

A dentist will examine the patient’s mouth and teeth to diagnose a toothache. They may also recommend X-rays such as periapical and panorex views to identify the cause of the toothache. X-rays can reveal cavities, cysts and abscesses that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

A dentist will typically prescribe antibiotics and take steps to treat the underlying issue of the toothache. Patients can also use over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen to help ease the discomfort while they wait for a dentist appointment.

Broken Filling or Crown

If you have a toothache or other dental emergency, it is important to act fast to prevent further complications. You should rinse your mouth with warm water and spit, brush your teeth gently to avoid further damage, floss between your teeth, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash.

If the tooth is severely decayed or cracked, a root canal may be required. You should also avoid using your teeth to open packages or bite non-food items to minimize damage. Keeping up with routine oral care, including daily brushing and flossing, and visiting your general dentist for cleanings every six months will help to prevent emergencies.

Dental fillings are the typical solution for minor tooth decay and cavities, but crowns offer more comprehensive protection by covering an entire damaged tooth. They can also be used to reconstruct fractures or breaks, and can protect weakened teeth from future decay and deterioration. Unlike fillings, which can be completed in one visit, urgent dental care Bowling Green KY require multiple visits.

Gum Disease

Gum disease (pronounced pair-ee-oh-DON-tus) is an infection of the gum tissue that surrounds and holds your teeth in place. If it’s not treated, the gum tissue can become swollen, red and bleed easily. It can also pull away from the teeth and form a hard crust called tartar. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.

The most common sign of gum disease is irritated, red and bleeding gums. This is called gingivitis, the mildest stage of gum disease and can be reversed with good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist.

Recent research shows links between gum disease and other health conditions such as heart disease, strokes and diabetes. The bacteria that enters the bloodstream from the mouth can travel to other organs and attack healthy tissue. Gum disease has even been linked to a higher risk of Alzheimers. The bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis found in gum disease is also present in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients.