Dental emergencies such as chipped-off teeth, the presence of abscesses, wisdom tooth pain, and loss of filling require immediate attention. Identifying a dental emergency in Parkland, FL,  is vital for timely treatment and preventing further complications. In this article, we have listed common dental emergencies and what you can do in a dental emergency.

Common Dental Emergencies:

Loss of filling: The patient may experience sensitivity if a dental filling becomes loose and exposes the dentin on the tooth surface to hot or cold foods and drinks. The tooth surface can be treated with a desensitizing paste to alleviate this temporarily. Rinsing the mouth after each meal is recommended to prevent food particles from building up in the dental cavity. One has to get in touch with a dentist right away.

Soft Tissue Damage: If a severe injury causes soft tissue damage, determine whether the tooth or any nearby soft tissues—such as the face, lips, or gums—are bleeding. In case of bleeding, apply gauze for 10 minutes to arrest bleeding on the afflicted spot. Use cold packs externally for 20 minutes if you have swelling. Visit a dentist if the bleeding doesn’t stop.

Broken Orthodontics: Braces have metal wires and brackets that are designed to withstand daily wear and tear with chewing, eating, and even talking. However, if they break or stick out and poke your cheeks and gums, it can cause discomfort and slow down or even reverse progress in aligning and straightening teeth. Therefore, it is essential to see a dentist to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Lost crown: If the crown falls out on its own, check if any part of the tooth has been dislodged. Clean any cement residue left on the crown surface if the loose crown comes off easily. Try replacing commercially available temporary cement, like dentemp, in the mouth. Get in touch with a dentist right away. Medication (painkillers) can be used to temporarily manage related pain.

Abscess: An infection around the root of a tooth or in the area between teeth and gums is called an abscess. Dental abscesses are dangerous illnesses that need to be treated urgently. The dentist will recommend drugs for the infection, which will provide relief. 

Wisdom tooth pain: Infections in wisdom teeth may be initiated by the accumulation of food between the erupting third molar and the gingiva surrounding it. Painkillers can help decrease the pain. Rinsing the mouth with lukewarm saltwater or an antibacterial mouthwash can also help reduce bacterial activity.

While this article provides some steps you can take in a dental emergency, the best thing you can do for your dental health is to take care of your teeth and visit your dentist regularly.