Dental emergencies are not something unheard of in Alberta. It can be disturbing, strike you out of nowhere, and often cause severe discomfort.

If it is a broken tooth or a sharp toothache, comprehending how to deal with it effectively can make all the difference in dental health maintenance and prevent further complications.

In case of a dental emergency, it is crucial to visit a dentist in Leduc, Alberta, right away before the condition turns worse. In this particular blog, we are going to take a look at some common dental emergencies and categorize numerous dental problems so that you know what dental issues need attention immediately.

Prevalent Dental Emergencies

Specific dental emergencies are more likely to happen compared to others. Some such common dental emergencies are:

Severe Pain in the Tooth

One of the most common dental emergencies is severe toothache, which can occur due to numerous factors such as dental trauma, infections, or decay. Detecting the source of the pain is vital to know the right course of action.

In severe tooth pain cases, rinsing the mouth using warm salt water and taking OTC pain relievers can give some temporary relief. But, it is crucial to comprehend that pain relief is not a solution to it. Dealing with the underlying cause is necessary to resolve the problem effectively.

Knocked-Out or Broken Teeth

Another typical dental emergency is knocked-out or broken teeth, which generally result from injuries or accidents. If a tooth is unfortunately knocked out, every minute is vital to maximize the probability of a successful replantation.

Handle the tooth meticulously by holding the crown and avoid touching the tooth root. Wash it gently if it is not clean, and attempt to put it back into place if you can. If inserting it back is not possible, leave the tooth in a milk container or saliva so that it remains damp until you get medically attended to.

Abscesses or Pockets of Pus

Another issue that is considered a dental emergency and needs prompt treatment is abscesses, which essentially are swellings that are painful and contain pus. If the abscess is left untreated, it can result in severe complications like the infection getting spread to other body parts. 

Symptoms of abscesses include fever, severe pain, swelling, and a foul taste in the mouth. If you think you have an abscess, it is better to get professional dental care without any further delay to prevent the infection from escalating further.

Recognizing and Categorizing Dental Emergencies

Categorizing the urgency of the particular situation can be vital when injuries or pain affect the mouth or teeth. Dental emergencies are typically classified into two broad categories:

Urgent Dental Emergencies

Such issues need medical attention right away in order to stop bleeding, save a tooth, or eliminate unbearable and severe pain. Some urgent dental emergencies are:

Knocked-out teeth

Severe toothaches or infections

Severe abscesses

Prolonged bleeding after a tooth extraction

Any sudden pain that is not getting under control with OTC painkillers.

Non-Urgent Dental Emergencies

Specific problems need the attention of a dentist but are not a threat right away to dental health or do not cause severe pain or risk of infection. Some examples of such dental issues are:

• Broken teeth, but that causes no pain
• Lost crowns, fillings, or bridges
• Food stuck in the teeth because of filling being lost
• Orthodontic discomfort

By comprehending the differences, you can decide for yourself whether a specific dental issue needs immediate medical attention or you can wait till the next available appointment at a regular dental office.

A Dentist Plays a Significant Role!

Irrespective of the type of dental issue, a dentist’s intervention is required to make sure the problem does not turn into something much more severe, which will increase the duration and cost of the treatment.

In case of a dental emergency, immediately going to a dentist can often save the tooth. Even if you feel the particular dental problem does not require immediate attention, visiting a dentist is still highly recommended because what usually seems like a minor toothache can be an indicator of some underlying dental problem.