The Do’s & Don’ts While Wearing Invisible Aligners

There’s simply no telling when you or a loved one might experience a dental emergency. You could be playing sports, riding a bike, driving, eating, or simply relaxing at home—until an impact suddenly knocks a tooth or filling completely out of your mouth!

Dental emergencies are a lot more common than most people would assume, and the swelling, discomfort and severe pain associated with these unfortunate scenarios is usually overwhelming.

All it really takes is a simple accident or a brief lapse of concentration, and a tooth might get knocked out or severely cracked. And although this might seem like a freak accident, our emergency dentist experts in Columbia SC support these situations on almost a daily basis.

There are many reasons why it’s important to understand the difference between a minor dental issue and a true dental emergency, because recognizing an emergency situation can potentially save your smile and help you avoid a ton of pain.

Below we’ll be detailing when emergency dental care is deemed necessary, and some of the most common emergency dentist services that we provide!

When Are Emergency Dentist Services Considered Necessary?

Pain is the body’s natural indication that something isn’t right, and it’s crucial for people to know when dental pain requires immediate emergency care and when it can wait for a more conventional appointment time.

Although not every dental dilemma requires emergency care, here are some questions to keep in mind when you’re determining whether or not you’re experiencing a dental emergency:

· How much pain are you experiencing? Symptoms like bleeding, severe pain, swelling and discoloration are indicators of a serious dental problem.

· Have one or multiple teeth been knocked out? You can potentially save lost teeth that have been knocked out when you get immediate dental care.

· Do any of your teeth feel loose? Adults are never supposed to experience loose teeth. Even if you’re not experiencing pain, loose teeth are a dangerous dental emergency that requires immediate help.

· Are you seeing any infection symptoms? Tooth infections can quickly spiral out of control, so you’ll want to see your emergency dentist as soon as possible.

· Is there any blood? Bleeding gums are often a cause for concern that you should take very seriously.

Common Dental Emergencies In Columbia SC

We deal with countless dental emergencies every day, and here are some of the most common emergency situations that we see here in Columbia SC:

Inexplicable, Abrupt Tooth Pain

If you experience sudden tooth pain that comes out of nowhere, then there’s likely something wrong with a tooth, its surrounding gums, or potentially even the tooth’s root.

In these scenarios, it’s typically best to seek out an emergency dentist. You’ll also want to try a cold compress, over-the-counter pain relievers and saltwater gurgling until you can get into our office.

Gum Swelling & Bleeding

Although it’s common for people to experience bleeding gums when they floss for the first time in a while, it’s a whole different ball game when your gums begin bleeding or swelling for no particular reason.

This simply isn’t normal, and it’s the type of dental emergency that a lot of people overlook—even though it undoubtedly requires immediate attention.

Unexplained Mouth Or Jaw Swelling

Sudden jaw or mouth swelling is another red flag indicating a need for an immediate emergency dentist appointment.

This is often a symptom of a tooth infection, a lymph node issue, or several other dental emergencies.

Exposed Nerves

When a nerve gets exposed within your mouth, it’s usually extremely painful.

Any delays dealing with this dental emergency will only make matters much worse, so you’ll need to seek out professional help as soon as possible to avoid infection and further nerve damages.

Tooth Gets Knocked Out

Whether by sheer force or other circumstances, it’s always a serious concern when an adult gets a tooth knocked out. This is because you’ll only have a short window to get the tooth successfully replanted, and this time constraint is a big reason why this is one of the most common dental emergencies in the Columbia metro area.

On top of getting to our office as quickly as possible, you’ll also want to do the following:

· Only pick the tooth up by its tip (never touch the tooth’s root)

· Delicately rinse the tooth with water (no scrubbing)

· If you can, try gently putting the tooth back in its socket. Don’t force the tooth back in, and try holding it in place by keeping a finger on it and softly closing your mouth. 

· Keep the tooth moist inside of your cheek, inside of its socket, or put it in a glass of milk (never use tap water).

· Get immediate dental care to potentially save the tooth.

Dental Filling Falls Out

Dental fillings aren’t supposed to fall out of your mouth, so it’s definitely an emergency situation when they do.

This is because a tooth without its proper filling will be vulnerable to breaking or cracking.

Dental Crown Damages

When dental crowns get cracked or fall out, your tooth can be put at a serious risk of further damage and infection.

That’s why the sooner you can see a dentist, the better. Emergency dental care in this scenario can go a long way to help you prevent other substantial dental work, including tooth extractions and root canals.

Object Stuck Between Teeth

If food or other debris has become lodged between your teeth and flossing isn’t getting it out, then it’s crucial to see a dentist right away.

If you delay your dental care in this scenario, you can potentially cause tooth decay, tooth shifting, gum disease, gum irritation and infection.

Common Benefits Of Emergency Dentist Services

There are all sorts of important reasons to receive emergency dental care, including:

·  Pain relief

·  Saving your teeth

·  Preventing further damage and costly procedures

·  Restoring your smile’s functionality

·  Peace of mind

· Saving money

Common Emergency Dentist Services

Although emergency dentist services vary depending upon specific problems and accidents, the following services are some of the most common that we provide our patients:

·  Root canal therapy

·  New fillings

·  Replantation

·  Tooth extractions

·  Splinting

· Antibiotic treatment & irrigation

Contact Soda City Dentistry When You Need Emergency Dentist Services In Columbia SC!

Are you or a loved one currently experiencing a dental emergency? Are you currently located in the Columbia, SC area?

If you answered yes to the above questions, then you need to come over to the Soda City Dentistry office as quickly as possible.

Reach out to us online or call us at 803-794-5430 and we’ll fit you in for an immediate emergency appointment right away!

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