When the pandemic began, the Manitoba Dental Association recommended that patients cancel their appointments unless they had a dental emergency. It is essential to have a go-to emergency practice in Winnipeg for when these issues occur.
The employees at Integral Dental, Pearl Dental, and Ellice Dental are available to help you with whatever you need any day of the week. First, though, you need to figure out if your dental problem is an emergency. To learn more about the cases that constitute a trip to the dentist, keep reading.
1. Cracked or Broken Tooth
Your teeth can crack or break from impact, old age, and bruxism (also known as teeth grinding). There are a few different kinds of cracks, some of which won't need tending because they are superficial.
However, if it hurts to bite down, chew food, or if you have swollen gums, you're going to want to make an appointment. When the gums are exposed, it leaves room for bacteria to enter, and they could become infected. If not treated, the infection could spread to other areas of the mouth.
2. Losing a Permanent Tooth
Permanent teeth can fall out because of car accidents or sports injuries. Put the tooth in some milk and get to a dentist within an hour of the incident. These actions will increase your chances of getting the tooth put back into place, rather than having to get a false tooth.
3. Oral Bleeding
If you have poor dental hygiene, your gums may bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. This light bleeding isn't any cause for alarm.
However, if your mouth has been bleeding severely, it could be the result of gum disease, which is why it is best to get to a dentist as soon as possible. You need to know how to manage the issue going forward to prevent it from getting worse.
4. Losing a Filling
Grinding your teeth, chewing too hard, or chewing on hard foods could all result in the loss of a filling. If you leave the hole open for too long, you increase your risk of infection. Use a piece of sugarless gum to replace the filling while waiting to see your dentist.
5. Losing a Crown
A crown is meant to last a while, but eating hard or sticky food regularly affects its longevity. If you can, save the crown after it falls out, so the dentist can pop it back on. In the meantime, avoid chewing food on that side of your mouth.
6. Item Lodged Between Teeth
Usually, the first step you take to attempt to get food out of your teeth is flossing. If you can't get the food out with floss or a water flosser, though, call your dentist.
Never put any sharp objects near your gums, as this could cause them to bleed. They could also scrape the surface of your teeth and damage them.
7. Abscess
An abscess occurs when pus gathers in your teeth or gums. While it might be painful and cause swelling, do not pop it like you would a pimple. You should continue to brush and floss your teeth as usual and use a mild saltwater solution to rinse your mouth until you can see a dentist.
Finding an Emergency Dentist in Winnipeg
Do not wait too long to get in touch with an emergency dentist in Winnipeg if you are dealing with any of these dental emergencies.
Schedule a same-day or next-day appointment with Integral Dental, Pearl Dental, or Ellice Dental and get your dental health under control.