There’s a reason why the definition of an emergency is an unexpected situation: because we never know just what life is going to throw at us. As a result, accidents can happen and when they do, accessing the care that you need is crucial so that you can heal and recover.
Should you find yourself in need of an emergency dentist in New Westminster, come into our local dental practice. Our staff is here to assist you however we can.
Common Dental Emergencies
Although it may seem overwhelming when you’re in the middle of such a situation, dental emergencies are more common than you may realize. And they can arise due to a lot of factors.
That said, listed below are the types of emergencies that dentists regularly treat:
1. Knocked-out tooth.
This can occur from playing sports, high contact or not, a fall, or getting hit in the face. The first thing you need to do is located your dislodged tooth. Without touching its roots, if you can, put it back in your socket. If this isn’t possible, put it in a glass of milk. Visit your dentist as soon as you can. If you act quickly enough, they may be able to re-implant your tooth.
2. Sudden and/or severe toothache.
It can be hard to pinpoint exactly what tooth pain means because it can be an indication of a lot of issues like an infection or a cavity, gum disease, or an erupting tooth.
Go see a dentist near you if you’re experiencing a serious toothache. Taking Advil or Tylenol and holding a cold pack against your cheek will help while you wait to see them.
3. Wisdom Teeth.
Most people have wisdom teeth and, when they start to erupt, can cause a lot of pain. Typically, wisdom teeth emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. If they don’t fit comfortably inside your mouth, they’ll most likely need to be pulled. If you find yourself dealing with tooth or jaw pain when you eat, talk, or brush, or if your gums are irritated and red, visit a local dental clinic.
4. Fractured teeth.
This refers to a tooth that’s been cracked or chipped. Fractured teeth can arise from biting down on too-hard foods, an infection, or using your teeth to open packages instead of scissors. Damaged teeth can cause problems with your bite pattern and cause even more issues if left untreated. Thoroughly rinse your mouth out then head over to see a dentist in New Westminster.
5. Abscessed Gums.
Abscess and cysts can manifest anywhere on or in your body. An abscess is caused by bacteria and leads to an infection that’s filled with pus. A cyst is a sac filled with abnormal cells.
When either of these two entities forms on your gums, this may be a sign of a more serious issue. Depending on the extent of the problem, you may need to have a root canal if the infection has spread to your pulp.
Abscess and cysts will resemble a small pimple but don’t pop it. Rinse out your mouth then go see a dentist.
Preventive Steps
Dental emergencies can arise in many different forms, which makes them hard to anticipate. However, there are always precautionary measures we can take to preserve our teeth and gums. Here are some easy, yet effective things you can to do protect your oral health:
- Wear a mouth or night guard to prevent bruxism (aka the unconscious grinding and clenching of your teeth).
- Don’t chew on ice, popcorn kernels, gumballs etc, and don’t use your teeth to open things either – that’s why we have scissors!
- Brush and floss after every meal.
- Attend a dental cleaning and checkup every six months.
- Listen to your dentist.
Do you need the services of an emergency dentist near you? At Artis Dental Centre, we provide same-day emergency dental care to all our patients, both new and returning. If you need help, don’t hesitate to come in and see us. Our staff will do everything they can to keep you comfortable and get your oral health back on the right track.
