Understanding the Different Kinds of Emergency Dental Complications

A toothache can make the difference between going to work or not. Sometimes it subsides with at-home care, but other times, you also want to check if you're in need of emergency dental treatment.

When throbbing tooth pain comes with chills, that's usually an indication of a dental emergency.

Here are some tooth complications that tell you to not just endure the pain, but rush it to the dentist for some urgent intervention.

Collisions that cause dental trauma

You finally got tired of paddling in the pool. But when you left the water, you slipped. The next thing you remember, you're lying flat by the pool facing the ground with unbearable tooth pain.

Injuries in the teeth that result from a forceful collision call for traumatic dental emergencies. They include tooth fractures, luxations or displacement of a tooth, and avulsions or complete dislocation of a tooth.

Common causes of traumatic dental emergencies:

If you see yourself in one of these, you better pay your dentist a visit. Dental injuries caused by trauma can worsen if not treated correctly and immediately. The injured tissues or displaced teeth are havens for bacterial growth, causing the throbbing pain to evolve into a full-blown infection.

Tooth and gum infection

Dental infections, if left untreated, can affect not only the regions in your mouth. According to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, they can also extend to neighboring parts like the neck, sinuses, and brain. Infectious dental conditions can cause damage to the airways, which is highly dangerous.

As mentioned, traumatic dental injuries can lead to infections. However, poor oral hygiene is also a recipe for infectious dental emergencies. Irregular and improper cleaning of the teeth can lead to bacterial infection, which is characterized by:

So, constant reminder to brush your teeth and floss. Prevention is better than cure, but if you find yourself in an emergency situation, it’s time to meet your dentist.

Non-stop bleeding after tooth extraction

Did you just get a tooth or two removed? It’s nice that you finally got rid of the discomfort or awkwardness it used to give you. But if your gums didn’t stop bleeding for more than eight hours, you might be having a post-procedural emergency and should consult your dentist as soon as possible.

Patients with congenital bleeding disorders, systemic diseases affecting hemostasis, or those who take anticoagulation medications are prone to incessant bleeding after dental extraction. If you’re one of them, just be extra mindful.

Talk to your doctor and explain how you feel. Don’t shrug off the bleeding, as it may cause serious blood loss, hematoma, and a compromised airway.

Constant pain after tooth extraction

Aside from bleeding, persistent pain for too long a time is another dental emergency that arises after tooth extraction. This enduring pain is called alveolar osteitis, more commonly known as “dry socket”. The only thing that’s worse than a toothache is prolonged toothache.

This complication usually demands multiple visits to the dentist to alleviate the pain. Too much discomfort can cause headaches and chills so keep a close eye on yourself. This prolonged pain is not infectious. The healing process is just delayed.

Learn more with us at Embrace Dental Care

Knowing the different kinds of dental emergencies can help you and your dentist communicate the best treatment for your tooth injury or infection.

If you have questions or if you find yourself in an emergency dental complication, contact Embrace Dental Care immediately.