The History of Dentistry

What Are Emergency Dental Care Services?

26 October 2022

Regina Carlson

There's no significant difference between emergency dental care services and regular dental services. In fact, some of the treatments offered can be similar to the standard dental services you might need in your lifetime. That said, emergency dental care services can be divided into two categories: dental conditions that require immediate care, especially dental injuries from impacts, and dental ailments that need urgent attention to avoid worsening.

Emergency Dental Conditions That Need Immediate Attention

These conditions can be classified as major dental emergencies. They include dental injuries arising after an accident, where the impact was on your jaw, teeth or gum, causing severe tissue tears, bone breakage, shutter or cracking and bleeding.

Dental clinics housing dentists specialising in major dental emergencies are equipped with the necessary know-how, tools, equipment and staff to handle severe dental trauma. This is one thing that sets regular and emergency dental care services and clinics apart. In fact, some of these dental clinics are located within a major hospital because chances are high that an impact on your face could necessitate other significant treatments offered by orthopaedic or plastic surgeons.

Emergency Dental Care Conditions That Need Early Treatment To Avoid Worsening

These conditions can be classified as minor dental emergencies. They include the following:

Tooth Decay 

Tooth decay is when bacteria start to attack the top layer of your tooth and continue to do so if you have poor dental hygiene. Eventually, a hole forms in your tooth, and if this hole reaches the third layer (the pulp cavity), your tooth starts rotting. At this point, you'll definitely be experiencing a toothache.

It's best to get treatment when the hole on your tooth is still within the first layer of the tooth (enamel) or the second (dentine). The treatment carried out at this stage is dental filling and is the cheapest and least invasive treatment under treatments for tooth decay.

If you take too long before seeking treatment, two things can occur: the hole will reach the third layer, meaning you need a procedure referred to as a root canal, which involves killing a tooth and reinforcing and restructuring the crown. This procedure can be expensive.

If you still delay treatment and take pain relievers, the tooth's crown can break, leaving the roots in your jaw. The treatment for this is tooth extraction, which might involve minor dental surgery.

Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Gingivitis is the first dental condition you'll experience before periodontitis sets. It occurs when tartar and plaque form between your gum and teeth. This is mostly from poor dental hygiene. You'll notice some yellowing followed by darkening.

If you don't get gingivitis treated by a dentist, tartar and plaque will continue to build, leading to periodontitis, also known as gum disease. This can lead to teeth falling out.

For more information, contact a local company, like Jansz Dental.

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