If you have a dental emergency, you should contact your regular dentist as soon as possible or use a 24-hour dentist service. This article will help you understand which situations qualify an Emergency Dentist in Toledo OH and what to do if it happens.

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Tooth pain is a common cause of an emergency visit to the dentist. However, other issues can require urgent attention.

Tooth Injuries

Any trauma to the mouth, including teeth, can be considered an Emergency Dentist in Toledo OH. Injuries can be caused by accidents or sports injuries and often result in bleeding from the soft tissue, displaced or fractured teeth, and even lost teeth. Whenever an injury occurs, it is vital to seek treatment from an emergency dentist as soon as possible, and fortunately there are plenty of options in Toledo.

Knocked-out teeth, while not the most common type of dental emergency, still must be treated immediately to improve the patient’s chances for a successful restoration. A knocked-out tooth can usually be repositioned in its socket if it is carefully picked up and handled correctly. It is important not to touch the root of the tooth and to only pick up the crown or chewing portion. Gently rinse the tooth with water, but do not scrub it or use soap. If you can’t get the tooth back into its socket, place it between your gums and cheek or in a glass of milk.

Loose primary and permanent teeth should also be treated urgently by an emergency dentist, but it is not always possible to reattach them. A loose primary tooth may need to be removed if it is getting in the way of eating and sleeping, but a lost permanent tooth must be replaced as soon as possible to prevent infection and future complications such as bone loss.

Cracked teeth are also a common type of dental emergency, and the treatment for this depends on the severity of the crack and its location within the tooth. If the crack extends to the gumline, it could lead to a bacterial infection that requires root canal treatment or even removal. A cracked tooth that only affects the cusp, or pointed tip, of the tooth, is less serious and can be managed with a crown.

If a child is suffering from a broken primary or permanent tooth, an emergency dentist should be seen right away to evaluate the situation and determine what steps are needed to repair the tooth. Injuries to children’s teeth often require sedation, which should only be performed by a licensed dentist. Until a dentist can examine the injured child, it is best to avoid hard or sticky foods and give over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Lost Fillings

A dental filling may last years, but sometimes they simply wear out and need to be replaced. While losing a filling isn’t always considered a dental emergency, it does mean the area underneath has been exposed to bacteria and can cause further tooth damage. If left untreated a lost filling can lead to decay, eventually damaging the root of your tooth and needing a costly root canal.

If you lose a tooth filling, call your emergency dentist as soon as possible. They’ll likely have times reserved for lost fillings during the week. If you call on a weekend, they’ll help to find the best time for you to visit their clinic.

When you arrive, you should bring your recent dental records and x-rays to the appointment, as well as a list of any medications you’re currently taking. You’ll also want to ensure the dentist accepts your insurance and that you’re comfortable with their approach to treating dental emergencies.

During your visit, the dentist will examine your condition and determine the next steps. They will look for any signs of infection, such as a foul taste or smell, swelling, or drainage from the affected tooth. It’s important to be completely honest with the dentist and tell them all the symptoms you’ve been experiencing.

The dentist will then discuss the available options for treating your tooth, such as a filling or crown. They will talk you through the benefits of each option so that you can make a decision that suits your needs and budget. If you’re not happy with the dentist’s recommendations, ask for another opinion.

An experienced emergency dentist can treat a wide range of conditions, from broken teeth to severe toothaches and a severely bitten tongue. If you’re in need of prompt treatment, contact Tomase Dental Care to book an emergency appointment today. The office is open until 8PM on weeknights and has an urgent dental clinic on the weekends. They have a friendly staff who put 110% into their work every single day. Visit the website to see their full list of services.

Abscesses

If you notice a painful swelling filled with pus on your gum, it could be an abscess. This infection attacks a tooth’s root or the space between your teeth and gums. If left untreated, it can severely damage surrounding tissue and even spread to the rest of your body. Getting to an emergency dentist quickly can help prevent more serious problems.

If the area is bleeding, apply a damp cloth or piece of gauze to control the flow until you can get to an emergency dentist. The dentist can determine the extent of the injury, clean the wound and sometimes stitch it. They will also prescribe antibiotics or tetanus shots if necessary.

Cracked, broken and chipped teeth are common dental injuries. These can occur due to an accident, sports injury or biting down on something hard. They can cause severe tooth pain and sometimes bleeding from the affected area. An emergency dentist will be able to repair the damage with a filling, crown or root canal treatment.

Lost or damaged fillings are another common dental emergency. Many people lose their fillings while eating or chewing. Losing a filling exposes the damaged area of the tooth to additional decay and can also lead to pain. An emergency dentist will be able to replace the lost or damaged filling, thus preventing further damage to your tooth.

An abscessed tooth is a dangerous infection that needs to be treated by an emergency dentist. If the abscess ruptures, it can create a hole in the jaw that causes swelling and may result in a life-threatening medical condition. The bacteria from the infection can also travel to the bloodstream and infect other areas of your body.

You can treat an abscessed tooth by draining the pus and destroying the bacteria. If the infection has travelled to the bone, your dentist will need to perform a root canal or remove the infected tooth. The most severe type of abscesses are those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This type of bacteria is more common in people with weakened immune systems, such as HIV patients or those taking chemotherapy drugs.

Broken Teeth

Tooth breaks and fractures can happen for a variety of reasons, from biting down too hard to dental decay. But no matter what caused it, a broken tooth is always considered to be an emergency and should be seen by a dentist as soon as possible. This is because the break exposes the inner pulp tissue, which contains blood vessels and nerves, to damage and infection. This can cause excruciating pain in the affected tooth and can also lead to swelling of the jaw and cheeks, as well as the gums surrounding the injured tooth.

If your tooth has broken or is cracked, it is important to salvage any fragments that have fallen off and to minimize swelling and bleeding. Apply pressure with a clean cloth on any bleeding areas and take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen, which will help reduce inflammation and pain. You can also place a cold compress or a damp tea bag on the affected area to reduce swelling and promote clotting of the blood. It’s also a good idea to try to cover the jagged edge of the damaged tooth with temporary dental bonding material or dental wax to avoid irritating your tongue and cheek until you can see a dentist.

When you go to your emergency dentist for a broken or cracked tooth, they will assess the extent of the damage and repair it as necessary. For example, a cracked tooth that does not extend all the way to the root will need a root canal treatment, but one that is fully exposed may need a crown instead.

While a dental emergency can be painful and stressful, there are many ways to prevent them from happening in the first place. Regular visits to your dentist, along with a balanced diet and avoiding sugary foods can all help keep your teeth strong and healthy. And if you do suffer from a dental accident, a Toledo emergency dentist will be able to treat you right away!