A dental emergency is a scary experience that many people will encounter at some time in their lives; fortunately, Alta Dental Studio is equipped to help you during an emergency situation. You need to know what constitutes a dental emergency that should be treated immediately and what can wait until your next trip to the dentist. Keep reading to learn more about dental emergencies in Vancouver.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Because not every dental issue is considered an emergency, ask yourself these questions before calling an emergency dentist:
- Are you in severe pain?
- Are you bleeding?
- Did you lose a tooth?
- Do you have a loose tooth?
- Do you have an infection?
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Below are the most common dental emergencies and what you should do if you experience one or more of them:
Toothache
If you have a toothache and don’t know why it’s happening, you should contact your dentist. Try taking over-the-counter pain medication and applying a cold compress to help with the pain.
Swollen or Bleeding Gums
Gum irritation is not a dental emergency, but if your gums are swollen and bleeding for no apparent reason, call your dentist as soon as possible.
Swollen Jaw
If your jaw or mouth is swollen for no obvious reason, you could have an underlying infection, so it’s best to call your dentist immediately.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If your tooth has been knocked out, it’s possible that your Vancouver dentist can preserve it. Quickly rinse your tooth and try to reinsert it; if that doesn’t work, place your tooth in a glass of milk until you can get to your dentist’s office.
Missing Filling
If you lose a filling, your tooth’s nerves can be exposed, and your tooth is more likely to crack or break. Calling your dentist right away is the best plan if this happens.
Broken Crown
If you break a dental crown, it can leave your tooth exposed and vulnerable to infection. You should contact your dentist right away for next steps.
Infected Tooth
You may experience a fever, toothache, or a swollen face if you have an infected tooth. Call for an emergency dental appointment to keep the infection from spreading and threatening your life.
Are You Experiencing a Dental Emergency in Vancouver, BC?
If you or a loved one needs emergency dental treatment, don’t hesitate to call the dental team at Alta Dental Studio. We want to save your natural teeth and make you comfortable as quickly as possible. You can reach us by calling (604) 876-5032 to schedule an appointment.