If you have a dental emergency, tooth pain, or jaw pain, you are not alone. As with any other health concern, dental problems are common and can occur anytime. One of the main causes is poor oral hygiene leading to issues like cavities, root infection, or gum disease. Some of them may be a dental emergency that will require urgent care to prevent them from getting worse.
Common dental emergencies may include any of the following:
- Severe bleeding
- Toothaches
- Broken or lost permanent tooth
- Dental abscess
- Broken dental braces
- Damaged dentures
- Oral injury
Given that there are many different types of dental emergencies, you need a dental professional that not only offers emergency care but also walk-ins with no appointment necessary. Below are some of the dental emergencies that Afdent sees on a daily basis.
Severe Bleeding
Your teeth and gums may sometimes bleed because of harsh brushing or flossing. This is usually not a cause for concern unless it persists. But if the bleeding occurs randomly, even with no pressure or force applied, then it might be a sign of a more serious condition.
One of the things you can do to control the bleeding is to use a cloth or gauze and press it in the affected area for at least 10 minutes. You can also apply a cold compress to constrict the blood vessels, so clots can form to stop the bleeding. After that, make sure to have your teeth and gums checked immediately by your Afdent dentist.
Toothaches
Toothaches happen for several reasons, but the most common are cavities. First, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to disinfect the area. Then, use an ice pack to help with the pain and numb the swelling. If the pain persists, then contact our office or just walk-in to be seen that day.
Broken or Lost Tooth
If you’re dealing with a broken or lost tooth, it’s important to know how to handle the tooth properly. This is to prevent any damage to the tooth until the dentist puts it back in its socket. Once you locate the tooth, hold it only by its crown and rinse it gently with water. Store it in a container with fresh milk and immediately go to Afdent. The tooth needs to be attached within 5-to-60 minutes of being knocked out for there to be a chance it can be reattached.
Damaged Dental Braces
Dental braces are made of metal wires and brackets. That’s why sometimes, after biting on hard or sticky food, some wires may stick out and poke the inside of your mouth. If this happens, wax should be used to cover up sharp points and protect your mouth. Make sure to have it reattached by your Afdent orthodontist immediately as it can affect the alignment progress of your teeth.
Visit Your Dental Provider
After doing all the initial interventions to control the situation, the most important thing to do is visit your dental care provider. If you are dealing with a dental emergency in Mishawaka or Fort Wayne, IN, contact Afdent Patient Friendly Dentistry. Our trusted specialists are always ready to assist you.