Mississauga dentist discusses importance of proactive, swift treatment in emergency situations

There are generally two different types of emergencies that Dentistry on 10 may treat outside of regular office hours:

• Accidents
• Chronic conditions

When it comes to accidents, Dr. Kotecha and her staff usually see patients whose teeth are either badly broken or knocked out. Broken teeth can almost always be saved. Treatment varies; if the break is significant, root canal therapy may be needed. If the break is small, tooth-coloured bonding may be all that is required to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.

Knocked-out teeth can be tricky and minutes matter. The earlier Dr. Kotecha is able to securely place the tooth back into its socket, the better the chance that it be saved.

The Canadian Dental Association reports that after two hours the chance of saving a knocked-out tooth are poor. If the tooth is not clean, can’t be placed back into its socket, or there is a chance you may swallow it, place the tooth in a container filled with milk.

Milk is considered good for storing a tooth because the proteins in this liquid keep the cells from the root’s surface growing. These cells don’t swell up and burst the way they do with other substances, such as water. Any time you try to reinsert the tooth or place it in a container, be sure to handle only the crown or top of the tooth and not the root.

Prevention is critical when it comes to this type of trauma. Since many of these injuries are the result of sports-related activities, Dr. Kotecha might recommend a customised guard. This guard protects the teeth and surrounding structures.

Chronic conditions

What started as blood on your toothbrush or periodic discomfort can escalate to intense, prolonged pain and swelling. This illustrates how gingivitis or tooth decay can progress to advanced gum disease or periodontitis and tooth infections or abscesses.

Of the many consequences associated with untreated decay and disease, the dental abscess is perhaps the most unnerving. An abscess is an infection that can manifest itself as a pus-filled bump in your mouth. Swelling often accompanies this serious infection, which can spread to other parts of the body and become systemic. Abscesses are certainly not a condition to take lightly, and as long as you are keeping regular appointments and cleanings with Dr. Kotecha and her team the likelihood of any disease or decay progressing to such a point is minimised.

Don’t wait to take preventive steps to avoid an emergency and don’t delay visiting your emergency dentist in Mississauga, Dentistry on 10, should you already be in severe pain.

Share this Article