When Every Second Counts: A Guide to Urgent Dental Care

In the realm of dental issues, time is of the essence. Delaying treatment, especially during emergencies, can have severe consequences not just for your dental health but for your overall well-being. Emergency dentistry at Dental365 is your lifeline when faced with urgent oral problems. Here’s why swift action is crucial: 

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency? 

Dental emergencies encompass a range of critical situations such as knocked-out or partially dislodged teeth, prolonged bleeding, unbearable pain, significant swelling, objects stuck between teeth, and jaw dysfunctions. Identifying these symptoms early on is essential. If you experience any of these issues, don’t hesitate. 

Immediate Action Is Vital 

When faced with a dental emergency, calling Dental365 should be your immediate response. While you might not receive instant treatment, alerting a dentist about your urgent dental problem is the first step towards resolution. The longer you delay, the worse your symptoms can become, potentially jeopardizing your oral and general health. 

Precautionary Measures at Home 

While awaiting professional care, there are temporary measures you can take: 

Rinse with Saltwater

Swishing salty water in your mouth helps remove debris and acts as a disinfectant, combating harmful bacteria responsible for infections. 

Pain Management

Over-the-counter pain medication can provide short-term relief, easing discomfort until professional treatment is available. 

Control Bleeding

Use a clean cloth or gauze to slow down bleeding. Apply gentle pressure to the affected area to minimize blood flow. 

Reduce Swelling

A cold compress, wrapped in cloth, can be applied to the affected cheek. This helps constrict blood vessels, reducing swelling and discomfort. 

Preserving a Knocked-Out Tooth

If you lose a tooth, find it, very gently rinse it with water, and store it properly, preferably in milk. Swift action increases the chances of successful restoration. 

Avoid Sharp Objects

Refrain from using sharp objects to dislodge items stuck between teeth. Instead, use dental floss gently. If unsuccessful, wait for professional assistance. 

 

Remember, your oral health is paramount. At Dental365, we understand the urgency of dental problems. Act promptly, and your smile will thank you. 

When to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed: Signs, Extraction Procedure, and Recovery

How Long Should I Wait to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed? 

If you’re wondering about the right time to get your wisdom teeth removed, it’s typically between the ages of 17 and 25 when these third molars make their appearance. Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to emerge in the mouth, located at the back four corners. While some people experience no dental issues with their wisdom teeth, others may face problems that necessitate their removal. 

Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal 

An impacted wisdom tooth is one that lacks the necessary space to grow properly. This can lead to pain, discomfort, infections, and other dental problems requiring extraction. Your dentist or oral surgeon will perform the wisdom tooth removal procedure. 

Signs of Wisdom Teeth Growth 

Wisdom teeth often erupt without any noticeable symptoms, but some signs may indicate their growth: 

  • Mild pain 
  • Feeling of pressure 
  • Dull throbbing in the gums near your throat or jawbone 
  • Gum pain during the tooth eruption 
  • Shifting teeth 
  • Gum tissue flap over the emerging wisdom tooth 
  • Difficulty swallowing 
  • Cold or sore throat sensation for lower wisdom teeth 

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed? 

Many individuals undergo wisdom teeth removal when their teeth become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there isn’t enough space for them to erupt or when they develop abnormally. The following conditions may signal the need for removal: 

  • Slanted growth towards the next tooth or back of the mouth 
  • Horizontal growth at a right angle 
  • Straight growth but confined inside the jawbone 

Extraction Procedure 

The procedure for removing your wisdom teeth is very simple and can be comfortably performed by a skilled surgeon under local anesthesia with or without sedation.    

Once the area is sufficiently numbed, the gum tissue is opened and moved aside to provide access to the tooth.  Occasionally, an impacted wisdom tooth may be cut into sections to facilitate removal through a smaller opening.  Once the tooth is removed, the area is thoroughly cleaned and rinsed with irrigation and the wound is sutured closed with a dissolving suture.  

Post operative care after wisdom teeth removal consists of ice, elevation, gauze pressure, anti-inflammatory medications as well as antibiotics to prevent infection.  The normal healing time from wisdom teeth removal is 3-5 days.   

Post-operative care will be early discussed with you following your procedure. 

Recovery Process after Wisdom Tooth Extraction 

After the procedure, follow these recovery instructions: 

  • Regularly replace the gauze. 
  • Avoid strenuous activities and lying flat to prevent prolonged bleeding. Contact your doctor if bleeding persists after 24 hours. 
  • Use pillows to keep your head elevated when resting. 
  • Consult your doctor for over the counter or prescription pain medication options. 
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions to prevent dry sockets, which is the loss of blood clots at the surgical site. Stick to soft foods and avoid using straws to prevent dislodging the blood clot. 
  • Swelling and bruising may persist for several days, but using ice packs can help reduce these symptoms. Bruising might last a few days longer. 

At Dental365, we offer world-class and compassionate dental care. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about wisdom teeth removal.