What is the most common dental emergency?
Dentist open on Saturday? Toothache? Emergency dentist open on Sunday? Do you know where to go when your teeth are in pain and you need immediate care? It’s important to know where to find dental emergency services near you in case of an accident or injury. Here’s a list of some common dental emergencies and the appropriate place to go for treatment.
Teeth Grinding
Did you know that one of the most frequent and dangerous medical emergencies that occurs in modern society, particularly among children, is tooth grinding? This condition, known as bruxism, can result in jaw fractures and teeth loosening from their sockets. Bruxism can also lead to other oral health problems including jaw pain and headaches. To treat bruxism, you may need to visit a dentist open on Saturday morning. Some treatments for bruxism include fixing loose or damaged teeth and using appliances to prevent tooth-grinding during sleep. For example, a dentist may use an appliance called a night guard to protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding at night.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Chipped or broken teeth can hurt, but it’s only when they’re not taken care of that they become a real problem. Left alone, chips and cracks can lead to infection and tooth decay, so don’t hesitate to contact your dentist if you are experiencing any pain or sensitivity. The last thing you want is an untreated chipped tooth turning into a cracked tooth! If your dentist has closed for the day, no need to worry; simply use our 24-hour dentist helpline and speak with one of our friendly team members who will help you get in touch with an emergency dentist near you. We also know many dental practices that have weekend hours too.
Cut in the Mouth
While tooth sensitivity (also known as dentin hypersensitivity) might not seem like a serious issue, it’s actually fairly common, affecting between 5 and 10 percent of adults. Tooth sensitivity can vary from being merely annoying to actually causing major pain in your mouth. In extreme cases, you might need an urgent dentist open on Saturday visit to remove plaque or restore damaged tooth enamel. The key with sensitive teeth is that they usually result from normal wear and tear—you may even notice sensitivity when you floss and brush regularly! Many people associate tender teeth with recent fillings or other procedures but in reality, your dentist open on Saturday could recommend ways to get rid of soreness and discomfort that don’t involve costly treatments.
Swollen Gums
When our gums are swollen, it can make them more sensitive to hot and cold. Our teeth might feel loose when we bite down on them. And sometimes, our gums bleed easily when we brush or floss. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms in addition to pain, swelling or a foul taste in your mouth, then you may have an infection that requires treatment from a dentist open on Saturday. A swollen jaw is not normal and typically occurs as a result of tooth decay or periodontal disease (gum disease). In some cases, our cheeks can swell if there’s an abscessed tooth.
Tooth Sensitivity
One of the most common causes of a dental emergency and therefore a reason many people end up in a dentist’s chair—which is precisely where they don’t want to be. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent tooth sensitivity. The first step: finding out if your symptoms are caused by tooth sensitivity or by something else. If your teeth are sensitive to cold or hot drinks and foods, exposure to air conditioning or heat, sour or spicy foods, brushing your teeth with too much force, grinding your teeth at night while you sleep or certain kinds of beverages such as coffee or red wine, it’s likely you have tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity has nothing to do with cavities and will never cause any damage to your teeth so long as you see a dentist right away when pain strikes. There are several possible reasons for tooth sensitivity, but one thing is clear: It’s not normal. That said, knowing what’s causing your pain can help direct treatment toward successful outcomes.
