Dental emergencies can take many forms. One commonality that most share, however, is that they do present certain warning signs and alarm bells. Unfortunately, this usually comes in the form of some pretty potent pain.
It’s vital to know how to identify a dental emergency, what to do, and to have access to an experienced emergency dentist.
Common Types of Dental Emergencies
To quickly and effectively address a dental emergency, it helps to know what it actually looks like. This, of course, means having a keen eye for symptoms as they pop up. Here are a half-dozen surefire signs of common dental emergencies:
- Severe and unrelenting toothache
- Periodontal (gum) bleeding for no apparent reason
- Swelling of the gums or the jawbone
- A collection of pus in the gum surrounding a tooth (or “dental abscess”)
- Loose or broken dental crown(s)
- Loss of a permanent tooth, whether as a result of trauma or decay
What To Do in a Dental Emergency
If you run into any of the scenarios above, you’re almost certainly dealing with a dental emergency. In these moments, it’s vital to act quickly to relieve pain and prevent long-term damage.
-  Persistent and severe toothache — Sudden or increasing tooth pain.
- Swelling of the jaw — Jaw swelling, even without pain, can signal a serious infection and should be addressed right away.
- Swollen or bleeding gums — Unexplained swelling or bleeding may point to an infection or abscess.
- Adult tooth loss — Losing a permanent tooth always requires urgent attention. Quick action may save it:
- Without touching the root, pick up the tooth
- Without scrubbing, rinse it
- Reinsert it in the socket if possible; otherwise, place it in milk
- Get to the dentist ASAP!
An Effective and Empathetic Emergency Dentist in Lakeland, FL
If you’re in Lakeland and looking for emergency dental care right now or just want to make sure you’re prepared for any unexpected issues, Dr. Mohammad Zaman and the outstanding team here at Quality Dental Care of Lakeland are standing by to deliver the top-quality care you deserve in your moment of need! Schedule a dental appointment with us today!