Typically, your own level of pain will indicate whether you are experiencing a true dental emergency. The cause of your pain will determine the appropriate treatment.
Below are some common causes of dental emergencies:
Trauma to the teeth – Besides pain as a signal of a true dental emergency, a dislodged tooth is always a dental emergency. If you have a tooth that has been avulsed to an injury, call the dentist immediately, rinse the tooth, being careful not to disturb the natural fibers that are attached, and place in a glass of milk until you can receive professional dental care. If your tooth has chipped or broken, try to find the pieces, and put them in milk, salt water, or saliva.
Adults who suffer traumatic tooth loss can keep their tooth in its socket on the way to our office as the saliva will help keep it viable for replacement. We don’t recommend this for children due to the risk of choking.
Pulpitis – Refers to the inflammation of the tooth’s pulp, or innermost tissue, usually triggered by a bacterial infection caused by decay. Symptoms include sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as sweets. Pulpitis can also cause generalized oral and facial pain. In some cases, the tooth may be saved by a filling, but will most require root canal therapy.
Pulpitis sometimes results from periodontitis (pyorrhea) a condition that can be localized to the soft tissue of the mouth or can signal an underlying illness. Antibiotics are usually necessary to treat the infection.
Abscessed Tooth – This is an infection at the root of a tooth, like pulpitis, it is typically due to extensive tooth decay. If you have an abscess, you may have a fever, pain, redness, swelling, and a bitter taste in your mouth.
Treatment entails draining the abscess, a course of antibiotics and sometimes root canal therapy. In extreme cases, extraction may be necessary.
Loose Crown – While not always a true emergency, if you have a crown that has come loose, it is very important to call our office for the next available appointment. If you wait, gum tissue can grow into the areas under the crown and complicate the repair.
If you suspect an infection or have another dental emergency in Lethbridge, AB…
Don’t delay – call your Lethbridge emergency dentists – Dr. Harry Penner and Dr. Bradley Low
by calling (403) 329-9433 right way