Taking adequate care of your oral system helps you ensure stable oral health while avoiding tooth and gum problems. But it is also noteworthy that some oral problems are somewhat unavoidable, regardless of how impressive your oral hygiene is. Hence, the need for emergency dental services helps you tackle any unforeseen dental problems that may arise. This article will explain this concept while highlighting common conditions that may prompt an emergency dental appointment. Read on to discover more.

What is A Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is an accidental or natural occurrence that causes sudden harm to your oral health. In simple words, it refers to any oral condition that requires immediate medical attention. Dental emergencies often lead to more severe conditions if they are not treated accordingly. Therefore, you should not hesitate to seek professional medical care in the event of one.

The professional charged with diagnosing and treating dental emergencies is called an emergency dentist. It would be best to register with an emergency dentist and keep their number on speed dial in case of any related oral emergency.

Conditions That Prompts an Emergency Dental Appointment

Dental emergencies can be in different forms, and they are often triggered by several circumstances, including accidents and diseases. Here are some examples of oral conditions that require emergency dental appointments.

  1. Severe Toothache: Toothaches are perhaps, the most common symptom of dental emergencies, and they often signal severe oral conditions. Indeed, there can be several causes of toothache, but you should never take it lightly or fail to get medical attention.
  2. Broken Or Knocked Out Tooth: This condition is often triggered by accident, and sharp pains often accompany it. Endeavor to make an emergency dental appointment in the event of this condition.
  3. Bleeding Gum: When your gum bleeds, it can signal several conditions, including diseases. Whether triggered by an accident or infection, it is always an emergency and should be treated accordingly.
  4. Swollen Jaw: It is not a regular occurrence when your jaw starts to swell for no apparent reason. It can result from swollen lymph nodes, and it can also signify an infection. Whichever way, it is classified as a dental emergency and should prompt an emergency dental appointment.

What to Do in Cases of Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time. Therefore, it becomes essential that you know what to do and the things to avoid in such cases. Firstly, you have to remain calm and try putting a call through to your emergency dentist. Your dentist is best equipped to tell you what course of action to take at that moment. Other steps to take if you can’t reach your dentist include;

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water
  • Ensure you don’t lose the broken or knocked-out tooth.
  • Do not attempt to chew anything until you have been tended to by a professional.
  • Make your way to the nearest dental clinic. You can also go to a hospital nearby, as they are often equipped to render emergency dental services.

Conclusion

Dental emergencies can often escalate into more severe conditions if they are not treated promptly. You can ensure you get treated accordingly by contacting your dentist for an emergency dental appointment. The tips that have been discussed in this article will also help you.