Dental Emergency

A severe pain which is affecting the teeth , soft tissue around teeth and surroundings to be considered as Dental emergency. It is an issue involving the teeth and supporting tissues that is of high importance to be fixed/treated by the relevant professional. Dental emergencies do not always involve pain, although this is a common signal that something needs to be looked at. Pain can originate from the tooth, surrounding tissues or can have the sensation of originating in the teeth but be caused by an independent source (orofacial pain and toothache).

Types of Dental Emergency

1. DENTAL ABSCESS DENTAL EMERGENCY

A tooth abscess is a painful and serious dental emergency. An abscess is a pus producing bacterial infection that causes pain and swelling that needs immediate attention. The infection occurs in or around the root of a tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, also called in the dental pulp. Tooth abscesses are most commonly caused by advanced tooth decay which may originate from a chipped or broken tooth that becomes infected, worn enamel that allows bacteria to enter the tooth or untreated dental cavity. Gum disease also called gingivitis or in advanced stages periodontal disease, can also cause and abscess. In very serious cases, the infection spreads from the root of the tooth to the bones in the jaw supporting the tooth

Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth

• A severe toothache or tooth pain with dull pressure, aching, throbbing pain or sharp pain Fever
• Pain with or without chewing
• Redness and swelling of the gums and in advanced infections, swelling of the jaw
• Sensitivity of the teeth to temperature – hot or cold
• An open, draining sore in the gums that may also cause a bitter taste in the mouth Bad breath

By: Dr. Imandeep Kaur (B.D.S. – Ahead Dental Clinic)

2. PULPITIS

Inside the innermost part of each tooth is an area called the pulp. The pulp contains the blood, supply, and nerves for the tooth. Pulpitis is a condition that causes painful inflammation of the pulp. It can occur in one or more teeth, and is caused by bacteria that invade the tooth’s pulp, causing it to swell

Symptoms of Pulpitis

• Inflammation
• sensitivity to hot and cold food
• sensitivity to very sweet food
• Irreversible pulpitis may include additional symptoms of infection, such as:
• running a fever
• swollen lymph nodes
• bad breath
• bad taste in the mouth

By: Dr. Imandeep Kaur (B.D.S. – Ahead Dental Clinic)

TOOTH DECAY / CAVITY

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth and over time the enamel can break down. This is when cavities can form

Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay

When a cavity is just beginning, you may not have any symptoms at all. As the decay gets larger, it may cause signs and symptoms such as:

• Toothache, spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent cause
• Tooth sensitivity
• Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold
• Visible holes or pits in your teeth
• Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth
• Pain when you bite down

By: Dr. Imandeep Kaur (B.D.S. – Ahead Dental Clinic)

DENTAL TRAUMA

Dental trauma refers to injury to the teeth and/or periodontium (gums, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone), and nearby soft tissues such as the lips, tongue, etc. Despite the fact that tooth enamel is incredibly strong, it is possible to accidentally break, chip or crack a tooth. Crunching down on hard food, such as ice or candy, is perhaps the most common cause of a broken tooth. Enduring a hard fall or suffering a hit to the face or mouth can also lead to a cracked or broken tooth

Dental trauma have various types such as

• Tooth fracture
• Root Fracture of tooth
• Subluxation of the tooth (tooth knocked loose)
• Luxation of tooth
• Intrusion of the tooth (Tooth jammed into tooth socket)

By: Dr. Imandeep Kaur (B.D.S. – Ahead Dental Clinic)

Avulsion (Tooth knocked out)

Symptoms for fracture:

• Visual can detect the fracture
• Change to occlusion
• Severe pain
• Loose Teeth
• Multiple teeth moving together as a segment and are normally displaced

By: Dr. Imandeep Kaur (B.D.S. – Ahead Dental Clinic)