Many dental issues can be prevented with regular oral care. However, sometimes emergencies arise that need immediate care from a dentist. Emergency dentistry is care that is given to relieve pain without prior scheduling.
It is important to know what the types of emergencies are so that you can react quickly and effectively. Here are some common examples of emergencies that need to be treated immediately:
Knocked Out Tooth
While good oral hygiene and regular visits to a 24 Hour Dentist of Philadelphia PA can prevent most dental emergencies, sometimes accidents happen. Oftentimes, these dental problems involve severe pain and require immediate treatment to alleviate the discomfort.
Tooth injuries can occur due to sports, clenching of the teeth or even car accidents. In some cases, the tooth may break or chip off entirely. It is also possible for an infection to develop in the root of a tooth or gums.
If a tooth is knocked out completely (also known as an avulsed tooth), it needs to be replaced right away. The best way to do this is by rinsing it under water without scrubbing and placing it back in the socket, or if not possible, put it into some milk and bring it with you to the emergency dentist.
Other types of dental emergencies include a loose tooth, cracked teeth or objects stuck between the teeth. Any type of injury or extreme pain is considered a dental emergency and requires immediate care.
Root Canal
The soft pulp inside a tooth can become inflamed or infected due to severe decay, damage, or dental trauma. Pain or extreme sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks can indicate this issue, so it is important to visit this Philadelphia emergency dentist as soon as possible.
During root canal therapy, we will first administer local anesthesia to make the procedure painless. We will then open the affected tooth and remove infected pulp tissue from the interior of your tooth. Once the tooth is completely cleaned, we will fill it with an inert rubber-like substance called gutta percha. We may also recommend a dental crown to add extra protection for your tooth.
If left untreated, severely infected or dying dental pulp can lead to tooth loss. Contact us right away to learn more about our emergency dental services. We can help you feel better quickly. We also offer sedation dentistry for those who are nervous about dental care.
Broken Dentures
Dentures are a way to replace missing teeth. They are fabricated to restore an attractive smile and functional occlusion. They can be fabricated to replace a small group of teeth, an entire upper or lower arch or both arches of teeth.
The process of creating a new denture takes time. It involves an initial diagnosis; x-rays and bite wings are taken to establish vertical dimensions, proper jaw position and tooth alignment; an impression and wax bite are made for the fabrication of the patient’s denture; and a try-in is performed to assure color, shape and fit.
Dentures may need to be adjusted for comfort, especially during the first few weeks of wearing them. Patients should chew on both sides to ensure even pressure and avoid sticky or hard foods that can cause sores in the mouth. If a sore develops, cover the area with over-the-counter dental cement until an appointment is made.
Bleeding Gums
Gum disease starts out as gingivitis, which can cause bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. Bleeding gums are one of the earliest warning signs that it is time to visit your dentist for a dental cleaning and treatment.
If not treated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis. This stage of gum disease destroys the tissue around teeth and the bone that holds them in place. Gingivitis can be asymptomatic, meaning that patients may not realize it is progressing until they experience severe tooth pain or other symptoms.
If you are experiencing any of the above signs, call us immediately for 24 Hour Dentist of Philadelphia PA. We will administer a thorough dental cleaning and other treatments to relieve your mouth pain and prevent the worsening of the condition. We may also recommend dental sealants, antibiotic rinses and other treatments to address the root causes of the issue. We can treat many oral emergencies if you act quickly enough. Some of these problems can be life-threatening or affect long-term health, so don’t delay!