Top 5 Dental Emergencies

As much as we all hope that dental emergencies can be avoided, we are all likely to experience an issue at some point as our teeth are put under pressure. Whether it’s withstanding the effects of sugary treats, enduring rigorous sporting events, or being subjected to tough foods, we expect a lot from our pearly whites. 

47% of adults have had to book emergency dental treatment within the past twelve months because of a whole host of dental nightmares. It is also not just unexpected emergencies that constitute these unexpected visits, as 30% of adults say they wait until they have an issue before visiting the dentist. With people waiting longer to visit, smaller issues which could have been resolved more easily are resulting in larger-scale problems that end up needing emergency care.  These issues can also lead to other health issues, with 70% of people who have claimed for dental care having also claimed for other forms of support in recent years.

At Didsbury Dental Practice, we define a dental emergency as a circumstance that is causing pain or prolonged discomfort affecting usual daily activities. You may think that some dental annoyances can be left, but they can lead to broader spread health issues which are harder to treat. That is why we make our emergency dental appointments readily available for all, as we believe that treating an emergency at the first available opportunity is essential for sustained dental health. Historically, it has been difficult for patients to get treatment for unexpected issues, but we make it simple to get an emergency dentist appointment. 

If you want to find out if your current dental issue is an emergency or have an idea of the signs to look out for in the future, continue reading.

Toothache

Toothache is perhaps the most common reason for needing emergency dental care, with at least 6 million adults having experienced oral pain lasting more than two weeks. The throbbing pain that toothache causes can lead to issues with eating, and drinking as well as causing excruciating headaches. If you have ever experienced this uncomfortable issue, you will know that it is hard to concentrate on anything else when a pounding pain comes from your teeth. 

The cause of toothache can be down to several issues, most of which can be resolved with emergency dental care. The most common reasons are decay, infections, gum erosion, wisdom teeth, overcrowding, and root canal rotting. In some instances, tooth pain can be a sign of a different health issue that does not affect oral health at all. In some extreme cases, discomfort can also be a sign of neuralgia, nerve damage, plus heart and lung disease. 

No matter the cause of the pain, seeing a dentist is essential as they can provide immediate dental care or give you the information needed to treat other medical issues. Not treating toothache will lead to continuous pain and inevitably mean that the issue causing the pain will continue to worsen. 

Broken, Chipped or Lost Teeth

Whether the result of an accident or the nasty effect of tooth decay, losing teeth can cause many widespread issues for patients. When teeth have unexpectedly become broken or lost, treatment must be sourced immediately. This is because the side effects can lead to other problems such as nerve damage, oral bleeding, and harm to other teeth. 

For any form of treatment to stand a higher chance of success, emergency treatment should always be chosen for lost or broken teeth. This is because the quicker the issue is dealt with, the more chance the dentist can fix the issue without extended dental treatment. You will need an emergency X-ray and a full examination of other teeth to eliminate any other issues arising. 

With as many as 84% of adults at risk of tooth decay and many of us living fast-paced lives, losing teeth is a common dental emergency in the UK. 

Bleeding from the Mouth

Dental bleeding can be a sign of oral diseases or infections, so it should be treated hastily. It is a widespread problem with oral diseases estimated to affect 3.5 billion people annually. This issue could also be caused by a dislodged tooth or damage to the nerve or gums, which also needs to be treated with emergency care to ensure any long-last issues do not remain. 

Excessive bleeding can lead to dizziness, swelling, and even choking in extreme situations. If your issue is caused by a dental circumstance, such as a dislodged tooth or gum damage, your dentist will be able to treat the problem and advise you on how to prevent any infection or further problems from arising. 

Mouth Sores, Abscesses, and Infection

Another common dental emergency that we often provide support for is the effects of oral infections. 

One form is dental abscesses which are characterised by a build-up of fluid around the tooth and gums leading to swelling and open sores. The result of an infection that has been unnoticed or left untreated, this unpleasant issue will not go away without emergency dental care and treatment. A dental abscess will cause toothache, and swelling in addition to other infections within the body that can be hard to treat. Treatment should always be obtained as if left; it can also lead to issues with breathing and swallowing. If left for a long period, the structure of roots and gums can also be severely impacted, leading to irreparable damage. 

Dental cavities and damage also contribute to this form of oral emergency, which is not surprising as only 56% of adults say they attend the dentist regularly. 

When obtaining emergency dental care for an infection, you will receive treatment for the root cause and be provided with pain relief, antibiotics, and a plan to ensure the issue does not return. 

Broken Orthodontic Apparatus

The last of our top five dental emergencies are complications caused by broken or damaged dental equipment such as dentures, braces, or implants. Whilst every dentist will, of course, aim for there to be no issues, and the chance of anything occurring is lower in statistics when there is an additional piece of equipment involved, you do run the risk of complications. It is not different to natural teeth as far as the effects of accidents or exposure to damaging situations are concerned.

You should seek dental treatment when you first notice an issue with any of these forms of dental support, as leaving them with damage can lead to potentially irreversible damage to remaining teeth or gums. There is also the risk of extended pain and wider spread health issues as a result. 

How should you manage dental emergencies?