Emergencies don’t come knocking at your door, and in the dental realm, emergencies arrive with the additional burden of excruciating pain. Unfortunately, dental emergencies are quite common or unavoidable. As per the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality, more than half a million people have to visit the emergency room for dental conditions every year. Emergency dentists assist patients with issues where the teeth, gum, or other oral structures might be in severe pain and cannot wait for regular dental clinic hours. Unlike regular dentists, emergency dentists are available 24/7 when patients suffer from pain due to fractures, loose teeth, knocked-out teeth, or cuts in gums and lips. Urgency is paramount in such dental emergencies because a few hours can decide whether you will become toothless or not.

Wondering when you should consult a dentist? Well, here is a guide for you!

Chips or Cracks

When biting down on tough objects, chips and cracks in the teeth can happen. A chipped or broken tooth doesn’t just ruin your perfect smile; it can also be agonizingly painful. If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, visit an emergency dentist immediately. Any tooth fragment should be rinsed, preserved in a glass of water or milk, and brought to your emergency dentist during your visit at any time of the hour.

Toothache

Toothache can indicate an extensive range of dental issues, which is why their core cause can be identified. Two root causes behind toothaches are pulp infections and when something is stuck between two teeth. When you experience a severe toothache suddenly or when it becomes progressively worse or intense, visiting an emergency dentist is crucial. However, in the meantime, you can employ a quick relief method like a cold compress to alleviate some discomfort.

Abscess

Mouth infections are dangerous, particularly those that occur close to a tooth’s root or in the space between teeth and gums. These can infect nearby teeth, gum tissue, and the entire body if left untreated. Uncertain whether you have an abscess? Look for a sore, pimple-like swelling on your gums. To prevent worsening dental health issues, see an emergency dentist straight away. For momentary relief, rinse your mouth with a moderate water solution and apply ice to the sore spot.

Broken Dentures

If you use partial or full set dentures to assist in your daily task, such as chewing or speaking clearly, broken dentures call for a dental emergency. If your denture breaks, see an emergency dentist at the earliest to get it adjusted or replaced right away. 

Conclusion

Emergency dentists serve patients around the clock who suffer from urgent dental problems. Patients who are experiencing some post-op pain or bleeding should also call an emergency dentist in Auckland. Undoubtedly preventive care like placing a thick gauze pad over the extraction site or applying pressure by biting down on the gauze can help. However, seeking emergency dental care is imperative if you want to prevent pain or any long-term effects.