An emergency dentist is a specialist that provides immediate care for patients with dental issues such as severe tooth pain, swelling, bleeding, broken or chipped teeth, etc. Finding one can be a daunting task but a good place to start is by asking your regular dentist for recommendations.

During a routine dental exam, various structures like the mouth and jaw are assessed for any signs of problem. However, an emergency exam targets only the area in need of attention.

Toothaches

Toothaches are not always a dental emergency and can be treated at your regular dentist’s office. Nonetheless, tooth pain should not be ignored because it can be an early sign of a bigger problem like a cracked or chipped tooth or gum disease.

If you have a severe toothache, the best thing to do is to visit an emergency dentist right away. The emergency dentist will examine the problem and may perform a root canal, tooth extraction or filling to alleviate the pain.

If you don’t have an emergency appointment scheduled, there are several home remedies that can help reduce your toothache discomfort until the dentist is available. These include rinsing your mouth with warm water and using dental floss to remove any food particles stuck between your teeth. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen can also reduce the inflammation. You can also use a cold compress to soothe your toothache pain.

Broken or chipped teeth

A broken or chipped tooth can be a painful dental emergency and should not be ignored. If left untreated, the broken portion of a tooth can expose nerves and blood vessels to bacteria. This can lead to infection. Infections of a cracked or chipped tooth can also spread to surrounding teeth and the gum tissues.

Seeing an emergency dentist can help prevent this and save the tooth. A Penn dentist may be able to repair minor chips or cracks with a dental bonding or filling. If the fracture is more extensive, a crown may be required to cover and restore the tooth.

If you have a broken or chipped tooth, rinse your mouth and any fragments in warm saltwater to clean them. Apply a piece of gauze to stop the bleeding. An over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen can also be helpful in managing pain and inflammation. If possible, save the remaining portions of the broken tooth and bring them with you to your appointment.

Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums are a significant indicator of dental issues and require prompt treatment to prevent further damage and discomfort. An emergency dentist can stop the bleeding, provide pain management, and offer guidance on maintaining oral health to prevent future problems.

Bleeding gums can be caused by a number of things, including severe gum disease, traumatic injuries to the mouth, and eating or brushing too aggressively. They can also be a symptom of other health conditions such as diabetes, blood-clotting disorders or vitamin deficiencies.

While first aid steps like using an antiseptic mouthwash and ice packs can help relieve some of the symptoms, it is essential to seek professional care. This prevents further nerve damage and infection, and enables an emergency dentist to treat the underlying problem. They can perform a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar and may prescribe antibiotics. They can also carry out tooth scaling and root planing or osseous surgery to restore the health of the gums and teeth.

Broken or dislocated teeth

Generally, any dental injury that results in severe pain, bleeding, or swelling warrants a visit to an emergency dentist. However, some injuries may be more serious than others. It is important for patients to know when it is time to call a dentist immediately and when they can wait until their regular appointment.

Broken teeth can range from a minor chip that is not painful to a more severe crack that exposes the inner pulp of the tooth. This can lead to an infection and requires immediate attention.

Emergency dentists will perform a thorough examination of the traumatic dental injury and may use X-rays to get a better view. Once the injury is diagnosed, it will be stabilized and treated to prevent further damage. Treatment may include root canal therapy or splinting to hold the damaged tooth in place until it heals. Depending on the extent of the break, an emergency dentist may also recommend restorative procedures or referral to a dental specialist.