Dental emergencies are defined as severe harm or injury to the teeth or any other part of the mouth like the jawbone, gums, palates, etc. parts of the mouth. However, accidental dental conditions are rare, the human body usually gives signs and symptoms of any underlying problem that may arise in the near future.
Frequent occurrence of such signs indicates that the patient urgently requires dental attention. If these symptoms are left untreated, they may advance into severe complications and diseases. Let us try to understand these signs.
1. Cracked or broken tooth
It is fairly common to get teeth broken due to injuries. The chips and cracks in teeth can make them weak and may also cause pain. Broken teeth can cause chewing problems and difficulty in speaking. Also, the cracks in teeth allow and provide a breeding ground for bacteria and other microbes. Bacterial accumulation can quickly advance into cavities, which ultimately leads to teeth loss. It is recommended to patients to urgently visit the dentist to prevent said conditions.
The dentist may recommend dental crowns, dental veneers, dental bonding, or fillings for the treatment of broken teeth. Nowadays, a ceramic filling is available for teeth that match their colour and does not contain any harmful components.
2. Tooth loss
Sudden, unexplained tooth loss could be a sign of severe underlying problems. Tooth loss causes difficulty in chewing foods, affects pronunciation, and adds negatively to one’s appearance. When the patient loses more than one tooth in short intervals, it is indicative of underlying problems in teeth. To detect this problem, the patient is advised to visit the nearest emergency dentist immediately. Also, the patients are advised to preserve the tooth until reaching the dentist as fallen teeth have a high chance of restoration if they are not severely damaged. The dentist may recommend treatments like dental implants, artificial teeth, dental crowns, etc.
Artificial teeth are prepared using a mould that is created according to the tooth dimension. It is fitted onto the teeth using a dental implant. It is a metal-like post that holds the abutment. Above this placement, the artificial teeth are fitted. They are prepared in such a way that they match the colour of the natural teeth and help in chewing and grinding foods.
3. Numb teeth
Numbness in teeth is indicative of the fact that an infection in the teeth has reached the root of the teeth, damaging the nerves. This damage to the nerves causes them to go numb. Another reason for numbness could be trauma or injury to the teeth. When the teeth are severely affected by this trauma, they become numb. Teeth grinding is another possible reason.
If the patient is observant enough in the early days of experiencing tooth numbing, the tooth could be saved by visiting an emergency dentist. Root canal therapy is recommended for treating numbness in teeth. In this procedure, the dead and infected pulp is removed from inside the teeth and the cavity is filled with a dental filling.
4. Metallic taste
Whenever a patient receives a metallic filling for teeth, it is usually a mixture of aluminium and mercury, also known as an amalgam. With the passage of time or due to any injury to the teeth, the sealing of this filling can break and it can leak out, causing a metallic taste in the mouth. It is not advised to leave the cavity open and the filling flowing out in the mouth as it can cause infection to the tooth itself and other teeth as well.
When mercury leaks from the filling, it can be harmful to the teeth and the body. When mercury is absorbed in the body, it can be extremely hard to eliminate via digestion. Patients are advised to immediately visit the nearest emergency dentist if the filling has leaked to avoid serious harm.
5. Bleeding gums
Bleeding gums are the most common sign of deteriorating oral health. In this condition, the gumline around the teeth bleeds during brushing teeth, chewing food, drinking beverages, etc., and is usually sore and hurts to the touch. When bleeding from gums becomes frequent, it is usually a symptom of gingivitis or gum disease.
Gingivitis is a condition in which the gums become irritated, and inflamed, and the patient experiences pain in the gums along with bleeding. If gingivitis is not treated, it can quickly advance into a gum disease that is much more severe and difficult to cure. Leaving gingivitis untreated can also make it impossible for the teeth to return to their healthy state.
While bleeding gums is not technically an emergency, patients are advised to visit their dentist on short notice if the bleeding becomes frequent and other symptoms like pain and inflammation arise.
6. Toothache
Toothache is another common symptom of poor oral health. When the nerve present in the tooth root is irritated, it causes pain in the tooth. This pain can be sharp and random. When patient experiences toothache in significant amount and almost daily, they are advised to urgently visit the dentist to closely asses the condition and receive treatment. In the case of sudden intense toothache, you may have to visit an emergency dentist quickly.
A toothache could be a sign of large cavities, tooth loss, germ build-up, and periodontitis. Periodontitis is a severe gum disease that causes pain and swelling in the gum line and causes destruction of the jawbone. It is a serious disease and can have extremely negative impacts on the health of patients suffering from heart or lung diseases. Also, periodontitis cannot be completely cured and it is next to impossible to completely restore the teeth. Patients are advised to receive treatment quickly for toothache to avoid further complications and to keep teeth healthy.
The dentist may recommend teeth cleaning to the patient to get rid of the microbial accumulation that may be causing toothache and irritation. The patient may also be provided with medications to manage pain. Also, the patients are recommended certain products like antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwashes, toothbrushes with soft bristles, etc.
