28 Feb Emergency Solutions
Emergency Situations and Practical Solution Methods in Oral and Dental Health
Many people dream of healthy teeth. Problems that threaten oral health and disrupt aesthetics affect the patient both physically and psychologically.
In this article will discuss actions that can be taken when unexpected injuries or sudden and intense pain occur in the mouth and the surrounding areas.
Dental emergencies can be categorized into various groups in dentistry, such as severe toothache or swelling, tooth fracture due to trauma, complete displacement of a tooth, bleeding after tooth extraction, biting of the lip, tongue or cheek, and tooth fractures.
Severe Toothache or Swelling
Toothaches can be complex and it is crucial to identify the underlying cause of the pain. At times, the discomfort that arises from an ear infection or sinusitis can be misinterpreted as toothache.
Toothache is typically the result of gum disease or tooth decay, while root abscesses can cause swelling in the affected tooth. Toothache can have a significant impact on a person’s social life and can even prevent them from getting adequate sleep. In such cases, it is highly advisable to contact your dentist immediately and schedule an appointment. It is not recommended to attempt to alleviate the pain by applying substances like cologne, raki, or aspirin to the aching tooth, as these interventions can cause irreversible damage to the gums. It is also important not to take antibiotics or painkillers that have not been prescribed by your doctor. Rinsing your mouth with cold water can provide temporary relief until you can see your dentist for severe pain.
Tooth Fracture
It is important to accurately assess the state of a tooth that has been fractured by a forceful impact and devise an appropriate treatment plan. Tooth fractures are most commonly observed in children and athletes, resulting from trauma due to incidents such as falling off a bicycle, fighting, or collisions.
If you are able to locate the broken fragment of your tooth when it breaks, it is important to clean it thoroughly and send it to your dentist. In cases where the broken piece is missing, the dentist will determine the appropriate treatment based on the size of the fracture and the structure of your teeth and mouth to achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance. When your tooth breaks, it is important to seek advice from your dentist within 30 minutes, regardless of whether you experience bleeding or not. If this is not possible, the maximum recommended timeframe for seeking medical attention is two hours. Delaying treatment can cause issues as the broken tooth is exposed to air.
Biting or Injury of the Lip, Tongue, and Cheek
In the event of a sudden and forceful impact to the soft tissues within the mouth, it is important to first wash your hands and sanitize them before touching your mouth. Failing to do so could result in transferring germs from your hands into the open wound in your mouth, which could cause an infection.
Following such injuries, the tongue may begin to swell, causing it to be bitten once again. To alleviate discomfort, a cold compress can be made by wrapping ice in a clean cloth and placing it on the affected area. Repeat the process by holding the ice in your mouth for one minute until numbness sets in, and then removing it. For children who have experienced bites to the tongue, lip, or cheek, applying ice cream to the affected area can help to numb the mouth. If bleeding persists for more than 15 minutes despite using gauze, it is essential to seek immediate dental attention.
Bleeding After Tooth Extraction
It is common to experience minor bleeding after a tooth extraction. Bleeding that manifests as oozing within 6 hours of the procedure is considered normal. It is important to avoid eating for at least 2 hours following the extraction and to refrain from using substances such as aspirin and alcohol. If the bleeding is severe, it is essential to contact your dentist immediately.