Dental emergencies are rare but they require prompt care. Today I want to share some important information about dental emergencies. It can be scary and painful, but it can often be treated quickly and effectively if you know what to do. In this blog, I'll explain how to recognize and handle common emergencies, so that you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and avoid unnecessary suffering.
What constitutes a Dental Emergency?
The American Dental Association (ADA) has developed guidelines for recognizing and handling dental emergencies, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dental emergencies are potentially life threatening and require immediate treatment to stop ongoing tissue bleeding, alleviate severe pain or infection
American Dental Association
According to the ADA, they include:
Facial swelling that could compromise the patient's airway or cause a life-threatening condition (such as cellulitis or a diffuse soft tissue bacterial infection)
Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
Trauma involving facial bones that could compromise the patient's airway
#1 - Facial Swelling
Not all facial swellings are dental emergencies. Swelling in the face can be classified as either intraoral (inside the mouth) or extraoral (outside the mouth). An intraoral swelling can sometimes lead to extraoral swelling if it isn't controlled or drained properly. Infections in the teeth at times can also directly cause extraoral swelling.
Facial swellings are not uncommon in dental practice, and they're usually treated with oral antibiotics. If the patient can open their mouth, an extraction or root canal therapy is performed in the infected tooth/ teeth (the source of the infection).
Left untreated, this infection can then spread around the tooth and slip between the layers of the face, causing pus to collect between the facial layers and leading to swelling. If the swelling is diffuse (affecting more than one deep space of the face and neck) and the dentist diagnoses odontogenic cellulitis (an infection caused by bacteria in the mouth), close monitoring is necessary. In some cases, the nature of the swelling makes it impossible for the dentist to examine or treat the patient in the office.
In this case, your dentist may start you on conservative oral antibiotic treatment and closely monitor your condition. It's essential to check if the swelling is reducing or increasing in size after the course of antibiotics.
If you have any of the following symptoms you should go to the nearest hospital for emergency care. Recognizing these is essential because, although they are rare if the airway is blocked, it can be dangerous.
If the swelling increases and potentially compromises the airway, or
if the swelling affects the eyes and nose, or
if you have a fever of more than 101°F,
#2 - Uncontrolled Bleeding
If you have a cut or injury in your mouth that won't stop bleeding, you should seek professional treatment as soon as possible. Grab a clean cotton and keep it on the area of bleeding.
Apply pressure using the cotton or bite on the cotton for 45 mins/ until you reach the hospital.
Do not spit your saliva.
Avoid taking in hot, spicy, and hard foods.
If the bleeding is severe, go to the nearest hospital for emergency care.
#3 - Trauma Involving Facial Bones
If you have a traumatic injury involving your facial bones that could compromise your airway, it's a dental emergency. This includes a broken jaw or other facial bone injuries. Go to the nearest hospital.
Assessment of the patient's condition is important if anyone in your vicinity has suffered from an accident. If you see any of the following symptoms immediately call an ambulance and shift them to the nearest hospital
Unconsciousness
Excessive bleeding
bleeding from the ears/ nose
Vomiting after the injury
Slurred speech
double vision or loss of vision
It's important to stress the urgency of a dental emergency because prompt treatment can save lives and prevent further complications. Dental emergencies, such as uncontrolled bleeding or facial swelling that could compromise the airway, although extremely rare, can be potentially life-threatening and require immediate treatment. If you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing a dental emergency, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Call an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital if necessary. Time is of the essence in these situations, so it's important to act quickly and follow the recommended first-aid measures until you can get professional treatment. Don't delay seeking help because of fear or uncertainty. Trust your instincts and get the medical attention you need as soon as possible.
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