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What are Dental Emergencies?
Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, often causing significant pain, discomfort, or anxiety. At Waterloo Dental Practice in Lanark, we’re here to provide prompt, professional care when you need it most. Below are some of the most common dental emergencies we treat:
1. Severe Toothache
A persistent or intense toothache is one of the most common dental emergencies. It can be caused by decay, infection, a cracked tooth, or an abscess. If the pain is throbbing, worsens when lying down, or is accompanied by swelling or fever, immediate attention is needed to prevent the spread of infection and relieve discomfort.
2. Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a painful infection that occurs at the root of a tooth or in the gums. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, a bad taste in the mouth, and sometimes fever or swollen glands. Left untreated, abscesses can lead to more serious infections, so prompt dental treatment is essential.
3. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
If a tooth is completely knocked out due to trauma or injury, it is critical to act quickly. Try to place the tooth back in the socket or keep it in milk or saliva and contact your dentist immediately. Seeing a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes can significantly improve the chances of saving the tooth.
4. Broken or Chipped Tooth
A tooth that is broken or chipped due to an accident, biting something hard, or decay may cause pain and sensitivity. Even if the damage seems minor, it can worsen over time or lead to infection. Dental treatment will help restore the tooth and protect it from further harm.
5. Lost or Damaged Filling or Crown
Losing a filling or crown can leave a tooth exposed and sensitive, especially to hot or cold temperatures. It may also put the tooth at risk of further damage. While not always urgent, it’s important to seek dental care as soon as possible to avoid complications and restore the tooth’s function.
6. Swelling in the Face or Gums
Swelling in the mouth, face, or jaw can indicate a serious infection, especially if it’s accompanied by pain, redness, or fever. This type of swelling could spread quickly and impact your overall health, so it requires immediate dental or medical attention to determine the cause and begin treatment.
7. Bleeding Gums or Soft Tissue Injury
Injuries to the lips, gums, tongue, or inner cheeks that result in uncontrolled bleeding are considered emergencies. While minor bleeding is common with brushing or flossing, significant bleeding following trauma, oral surgery, or spontaneously could signal a serious issue and should be addressed by a dental professional immediately.
8. Loose or Dislodged Tooth
A tooth that becomes loose or partially dislodged due to trauma should be treated as soon as possible. Even if there is no pain, quick dental intervention may help reposition and stabilise the tooth. Delaying treatment could lead to the loss of the tooth or complications such as infection.
9. Jaw Pain or Locking (TMJ Emergency)
Sudden jaw pain, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, or jaw locking may be signs of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or dislocation. While not always life-threatening, these issues can be extremely painful and interfere with normal function, and should be evaluated promptly by a dentist or specialist.
