A dental emergency is any injury to the jaws, teeth, or gums that is causing significant pain or discomfort. Even an injury that seems mild at the time can turn into something serious if not treated promptly by an emergency dentist in Calgary. Injuries that go ignored for a long time can result in a more serious situation requiring costly and extensive treatment, so you must seek out emergency dental treatment in SW Calgary as soon as possible after experiencing a dental injury.
What Situations Are “Dental Emergencies”?
There are many situations and injuries that our team at Montreux Dental Clinic considers to be dental emergencies. Here are the top five most frequent dental emergencies that we see:
#1 A Knocked-Out Tooth
If your tooth is knocked out of its socket, it is essential that you get to an emergency dentist near you as soon as possible. The likelihood that the tooth can be saved is significantly reduced after one hour. Pick up your tooth by the crown and gently rinse it under warm water. Be careful not to touch the tooth’s root and place it in a shallow container of milk until you can get to the dentist. The proteins in the milk will promote the cell health of the tooth and keep it in good condition until it can be reinserted into your mouth.
#2 A Dental Abscess
An abscess is a painful infection of the jawbone or gum that usually appears between one or more teeth. If left alone, a dental abscess can cause severe damage to the gums, teeth, and bone and even cause infection throughout the body, resulting in severe illness. If you notice a dental abscess, do not try to burst it. Instead, visit a dental clinic in Calgary right away to have it treated.
#3 A Loose Tooth
If a tooth has been somewhat dislodged but not completely removed from its socket, it is usually fairly easy for your dentist to repair. Try your best not to touch the tooth with your tongue or fingers, as this can loosen it further. Use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling and pain until you can see your dentist.
#4 Fractured Jaw
Not only is a fractured jaw extremely painful, but it can lead to permanent misalignment and damaged teeth if not addressed promptly after the fracture occurs. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can assess your jaw and determine the best course of treatment.
#5 A Lost Dental Restoration
Aside from the pain that goes along with losing a dental filling or dental crown, this situation can also result in damage to the tooth that the restoration was protecting. In the case of a lost dental crown, extreme sensitivity and pain may have you running to the dentist right away. If you cannot get in to see your dentist right away, you can manage your pain with over-the-counter pain medications.
If you ever find yourself amid a dental emergency, the most important thing is not to panic. In the majority of cases, our dentist can easily treat the situation and alleviate your pain. Please do not hesitate to contact our team at Montreux Dental Clinic if you are ever in need of emergency dental care.