The weekend is here, and you have plans to head out with friends to Omescape Scarborough for an evening of fun and adventure. As you make preparations to leave your home, you’re suddenly overwhelmed by a shooting pain in your jaw from a toothache. This dental trauma stops you in your tracks and derails your plans. Does this warrant a visit to the emergency room or should you wait to visit your emergency dentist in Scarborough? Read on to learn how to differentiate.
What is a Dental Emergency?
Before we explore which types of dental trauma require you to go to the emergency room, let’s first establish what a dental emergency is. Any situation where your oral health takes a sudden turn for the worse and you lose the ability to function normally is considered a dental emergency.
Here are examples of the most common types:
- Knocked Out Tooth
- Partially Dislodged Tooth
- Chipped, Cracked or Broken Tooth
- Lost or Damaged Dental Work
- Object Stuck Between Teeth
- Severe Toothache
- Injury to the Gum
- Injury to the Jaw
- Facial Pain or Swelling
The first thing you should do, no matter the type of dental emergency, is to take a deep breath and calm your nerves as best as possible. This step is important because you need to be able to think clearly as you move forward.
The next thing you should do is reach out to your dentist in Scarborough and tell the trained staff what happened and get the support you need. They will also let you know whether you need to head to your local trauma center.
Dental Emergencies that Require a Hospital Visit
Of the dental emergencies listed above, a few of them could require you to head to your local emergency room immediately. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
- Profuse Bleeding – If your dental emergency causes uncontrollable bleeding that lasts more than 10 minutes, then you shouldn’t hesitate to head out to the emergency room. The medical professionals there will have the tools and equipment necessary to stabilize your situation until you can be seen by your dentist.
- Intense Pain in the Jaw – If you’ve had a fall or received a blow to the face that has produced intense jaw pain, there’s a chance that you could have a fracture. This requires immediate medical attention.
The other dental emergencies are still very serious problems that need to be addressed by the best dentist in Scarborough, but now you know how to properly respond to get the best care you can. If you find yourself facing dental trauma, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist’s office to be fully restored.
About the Author
Dr. Gus Bal earned his dental degree from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Additionally, he expands his knowledge by pursuing continuing education courses, which has contributed to him being voted as “Best Dentist in Scarborough” the last four consecutive years. Dr. Bal can address your dental emergency needs at Bal Dental Centre and can be reached for more information through his website.
