What comes to mind when you think of a health emergency? The images might include an ambulance speeding down the road with sirens blaring, or a doctor and team of nurses waiting anxiously at the ER doors to receive the critical patient. Once inside, the activity might grow frantic as everyone administers life-saving treatment. (Kudos to all healthcare workers for what they do!) These scenes can be common with a medical emergency, but what about a dental emergency? What does it look like? While it may not involve an ambulance or a patient holding onto life, it is still a serious medical event — even if some dental emergencies are more obvious than others.

Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne

Tissue Injury and Facial Pain

Any type of injury inside the mouth, such as puncture wounds, lacerations and tears to the lips, cheeks, mouth and tongue, are considered tissue injuries and a dental emergency. If you experience any type of tissue injury, it is important to clean the area immediately with warm water. If the bleeding is coming from the tongue, gently pull the tongue forward and place pressure on the wound using gauze. You should get to an oral surgeon or nearby hospital emergency room as quickly as possible.

To alleviate any type of facial pain associated with tissue injury, you can take acetaminophen as directed on the packaging label. Never take aspirin or ibuprofen for a dental emergency because they are anticoagulants, which can cause excessive bleeding. Read more at Consumer Guide To Dentistry…

The worst part about tooth complications is that they can cause more than just discomfort. They can lead to migraines and additional pain on the face.

Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne

Tooth-related issues can come up during pregnancy. It is best to address them as soon as possible – before they become dental emergencies.

One unexpected problem of pregnancy is tooth pain or sensitivity, but with good dental habits and a visit to your dentist, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy…

The body goes through many changes during pregnancy — you can thank hormonal shifts for this. The same way an increase in estrogen and progesterone may be responsible for symptoms like vomiting and nausea, these changes can also make you vulnerable to dental plaque.

This buildup of plaque can be the root cause of bleeding gums and inflammation, a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. It affects up to 75 percent of pregnant women, so if you have it, you’re not alone. Read more at Healthline…

Bleeding gums are a sure reason to visit your emergency dentist. You don’t want to put that off for long.

Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne

You may be wondering whether teeth bleeding after flossing should worry you. The following post describes when bleeding is an emergency and other instances when you should get immediate treatment:

    Your gums are bleeding

It’s not abnormal for gums to bleed a little after flossing or if you have been diagnosed with gum disease. But if the bleeding is extreme, continuous, and coupled with pain or swelling it’s important to see your dentist. Unexplained bleeding could be a sign of periodontal disease.

You have a swollen mouth or jaw

A swollen jaw can be a result of a number of things. It could be caused by infection, swollen lymph nodes, and in extremely rare cases it may be a result of cancer. As mentioned, this is also a sign of gum disease. Since there is no way for you to know which is causing the swelling, it is best to schedule an emergency dental appointment. Read more at Advanced Dental Care of Anderson…

Whatever issue you may be dealing with, at Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne you’ll get 5-star emergency dental care. Call (704) 541-9888 to schedule an appointment, or use the contact form on our website. We’re excited to help you have the bright and healthy smile you deserve.