Dental emergencies are sudden, usually severe situations that require immediate action to avoid permanent damage or lasting complications. As opposed to common dental issues that do not require immediate care, these emergencies require prompt, specialized treatment. Whether due to trauma, infection, or underlying dental conditions, they need prior treatment. The following are 10 urgent dental emergencies that need immediate consultation with an emergency dentist in Toronto.
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches most often result from deep dental caries (cavities), pulpitis, or an untreated dental abscess. The pulp, the innermost part of the tooth, houses nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it results in excruciating pain that typically becomes more severe with chewing or exposure to hot and cold stimuli. Recurrent, sharp, or dull pain localized to the affected tooth or radiating to the jaw, ear, or head. Other symptoms are swelling of the gums, fever, and stimulus sensitivity. Immediate treatment is required to address the causative agent, typically a bacterial infection. Delay can result in the spread of infection to surrounding tissues, including the bone (osteomyelitis), or systemic complications such as sepsis. A root canal or emergency tooth extraction may be performed by an emergency dentist, depending on the level of severity.
Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
Sports trauma, motor vehicle accidents, or falls cause traumatic injuries leading to complete tooth displacement. An intact avulsed tooth requires that it is re-implanted within an extremely brief span of time (within 30 to 60 minutes). Total displacement of a tooth from its alveolus, commonly accompanied by gum bleeding and pain on the site of the injury. Time is an immensely crucial factor when re-implantation is a success. If the tooth is retrievable and put into a preserving medium (such as milk or saline) and re-implanted shortly, within sixty minutes, successful re-implantation may follow. Stabilizing with splinting and other methods, and reattachment of the tooth is possible by utilizing the assistance of the dentist.
Cracked or Chipped Tooth
A tooth can be chipped or cracked due to trauma (e.g., biting hard on something), or decay that weakens the tooth structure. Cracks may also develop over time from stress or clenching. Fractures or chips that are palpable in the tooth, rough surfaces that may cut the inner cheek or tongue, and pressure or temperature sensitivity. A cracked or chipped tooth exposes the dental pulp to infection by bacteria. Immediate treatment needs to be performed in order not to further damage or fracture the tooth, and more invasive procedures such as root canal therapy or complete extraction may be required. The dentist will probably perform a restorative treatment like a bond, a crown, or, in the worst-case scenario, a root canal.
Broken Dental Crown or Filling
Wear and tear, deterioration, or trauma can cause a crown or filling to fracture or loosen. This exposes the tooth to damage and infection. Sensitivity to heat or cold, sensitivity to pressure, and spaces where the restoration once was apparent. A broken restoration subjects the exposed tooth structure to external forces, threatening further damage, infection, or decay. Emergency treatment is needed to evaluate the condition of the tooth and replace or restore the filling as soon as possible.
Abscessed Tooth (Dental Abscess)
A dental abscess is a collection of pus as a result of bacterial infection, usually from neglect of decay, periodontal disease, or a cracked tooth. The infection may spread as far as the surrounding tissues if not treated quickly. Bad throbbing pain, swelling of the gums or face, fever, and in some cases, a foul taste or pus discharge through a fistula. An abscess may lead to serious complications if not treated as early as possible. The emergency extraction dentist will likely drain the abscess, initiate treatment with antibiotics, and perform restorative work, such as a root canal or extraction, to eliminate the infection. Delaying treatment can cause systemic infection, like cellulitis or septic shock.
Lost Dental Restoration (Bridge, Veneer, etc.)
Loss or displacement of dental restorations like bridges, veneers, or dentures may be caused by accumulated decay, ill-fitting, or trauma. Exposed tooth structure or visible gap where the restoration once was. Pain, discomfort, or sensitivity, depending on the location of the restoration. A failed restoration leaves the underlying tooth to further decay, infection, or mechanical damage. Emergency treatment has to be administered to evaluate the tooth and restore or replace the crown promptly.
Dislodged or Loose Tooth
Trauma from facial or bite trauma, or a neglected infection, will loosen a tooth or partially displace it from its socket. A loose tooth, pain, and bleeding along the gum margin. Tooth looseness due to trauma or infection will have a high likelihood of permanent loss of the tooth. The emergency dentist will stabilize the tooth and decide if splinting or other restorative procedures need to be done in order to recover properly.
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding of the gums can result from gingivitis, periodontitis, or trauma. In other cases, it occurs spontaneously even in the absence of physical trauma. Recurrent bleeding, typically during brushing or intake of food, along with additional symptoms of swelling and redness of the gums. Bleeding gums could be a sign of an existing gum infection or disease, which could, in case of non-treatment, lead to loss of teeth and extension of systemic diseases. In acute bleeding, treatment should be given promptly to stop the bleeding and address the cause, potentially with deep cleaning or antibiotic therapy.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is most often due to loss of enamel, gum recession, or a cracked tooth. Exposed dentin or nerves can be painful upon exposure to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli. Sudden, sharp pain or pain from biting and chewing hot, cold, or sweet substances. Chronic or acute sensitivity of the teeth might be an indication of more advanced underlying dental issues, such as extensive dental decay or a cracked tooth. The emergency dentist will identify the underlying reason and can treat with fluoride therapy, bonding, or a root canal to alleviate pain and protect the tooth.
Trauma to Soft Tissues (Gums, Cheeks, Tongue)
Soft tissue injuries are most often caused by trauma, such as biting, falls, or accidents. Cuts, punctures, and abrasions of the cheeks, gums, or tongue can cause significant pain and bleeding. Bleeding, pain, swelling, or inability to swallow or speak. A soft tissue injury, if left untreated, can become infected and not heal properly. The dentist will dress the wound, stop the bleeding, and possibly insert sutures or other treatments to promote healing and infection avoidance.
Conclusion
Dental emergencies are a serious concern that requires immediate action to avoid irreparable damage. Regardless of the reason, immediate attention from a skilled emergency dentist is crucial to salvage teeth, avoid systemic infections, and ensure oral health. Seek the services of experts whenever faced with any of the above conditions in a bid to achieve the optimal outcome.
