Can You Get Emergency Dental Care For Braces-Related Problems?
What Warrants Orthodontic Emergency Care
Orthodontic emergency care is different from a typical dental emergency. Oftentimes your orthodontic specialist will provide the best care, but they may not be available when you need it. Minimal discomfort can be expected at different points throughout the duration of braces. However, there are some circumstances where you should seek treatment immediately. A patient will typically come to Buckeye Immediate Dental in cases where they are experiencing more problems like potential infection, critical inflammation or swelling, loose teeth, or severe pain.
Some common issues with braces aren’t considered orthodontic emergencies and don’t require immediate treatment. Problems that don’t cause pain beyond mild discomfort, like a broken wire, can wait for a scheduled appointment. In these situations, you can seek standard orthodontic treatment and won’t require emergency dental care. Continue reading below to learn more information about the specifics of when to see orthodontic emergency care.
Severe Pain in Teeth
Whether it’s related to your braces or not, any severe pain in your mouth or with your teeth is a sign to see an emergency dentist. Any strong, persistent pain could be caused by an infection, or an issue that could result in an infection occurring. If you are experiencing consistent bleeding, extreme discomfort in your teeth, severe pain from a bracket or wire, or another issue causing pain that you can’t manage at home it may require emergency orthodontic treatment. Some pain caused by braces is considered normal, like the end of a wire gently poking your mouths. Issues like this can be temporarily managed with orthodontic wax. If you are unable to contact your orthodontist’s office and require immediate dental care contact Buckeye Immediate Dental or visit our clinic in Columbus, Ohio.
Dangerous Issues with Braces
Braces pose a unique form of oral health because most problems should be handled by an orthodontic specialist. In the event that a more dangerous problem occurs seeking urgent orthodontic treatment may be in your best interest.
If a piece of the braces has come loose, like a bracket, and the patient has swallowed it, seek emergency care. Emergency dental services are especially important if the patient is struggling to breathe or choking on a broken piece. If enough of the braces have come loose and are causing unrelenting pain try contacting your orthodontist and then seek emergency orthodontic help if they are unavailable. An issue with braces causing persistent bleeding would also be caused by visiting a dental emergency clinic.
Oral Injuries
If something has gone wrong with your braces and it is causing irritation inside of your mouth it’s time to assess the severity of the damage. Infections can arise from subpar oral hygiene when irritations in the mouth make cleanliness and hygiene difficult. Any impact to the face or mouth can cause intense problems. Strong impacts on the face when you have braces can become dislodged, can cause oral lacerations, or even broken teeth. A chipped tooth is not considered an emergency, but a tooth that is loose or dislodged can be a serious problem. Be mindful after falls, or physical accidents that result in oral injuries, as a tooth may require emergency treatment. Any consistent pain in your mouth or teeth that is too severe to manage, or continues to get worse should be treated immediately. Don’t hesitate to reach out to an immediate orthodontic care facility, or simply head to a clinic.
Other Physical Symptoms from Oral Pain
Certain problems that may not seem like they are caused by braces can still pose a medical emergency. Generally speaking, any patients who are experiencing extreme discomfort with gums or soft palate are cause for concern. When the gums around your teeth are swollen this could be a sign of a bacterial infection. Sometimes during the first month of having braces patients will experience mild face swelling. This only escalates into an emergency when the swelling becomes so drastic that it impacts how you swallow, your breathing, or how wide you can open your mouth. Additionally, any intense physical symptoms such as vision problems, passing out, persistent bleeding, or vomiting should all be considered dental emergencies. If any of these more extreme physical symptoms occur visit a dental emergency clinic as soon as possible
Knowing When Emergency Dental Care Is Necessary
Understanding the difference between common orthodontic issues and orthodontic emergencies can confuse some. Major symptoms you should be concerned about include issues with your teeth or mouth that you can’t manage on your own. If you are experiencing extreme swelling, fevers, or unrelenting pain due to a problem with your braces contact your orthodontic specialist or head to an emergency clinic for dental care. Anytime a patient experiences extreme pain or swelling there is cause for concern. If ignored this may turn into a dangerous infection. If you’re not sure about whether your orthodontic problems are an emergency contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency treatment.
Deciphering Oral Pain and Getting Help
Common Issues that Aren’t Orthodontic Emergencies
Some common issues are frustrating, painful, and can be a nuisance, but they may not be dental emergencies. By understanding the difference between needing emergency treatment versus needing to schedule an appointment with your orthodontic office you can be prepared for every situation. Mild pains like toothaches, debris stuck between two teeth, minor cracks or chips, or broken brackets are all considered to be non-emergency problems. If any of these problems cause severe pain, the patient should seek more immediate treatment. Cuts on the soft tissue of your mouth are also minor problems unless bleeding continues or you are in extreme pain.
Seeking Immediate Emergency Care
Once you have determined you’re dealing with an orthodontic emergency don’t hesitate to seek out emergency care. In the case of a true emergency, waiting can cause the problems to get significantly worse. In some cases, this could mean an infection spreading and causing further damage beyond just in your mouth.
If you believe you have an emergency issue, contact Buckeye Immediate Dental, or come into our emergency clinic for a walk-in visit. We provide weekend emergency clinic care so patients can be treated immediately.
Preventing Braces-Related Problems
There are some steps that a patient can take to reduce the chance of complications occurring. One of the best things a patient can do is consistently take care of their teeth. Follow any advice your dentist or orthodontist provides on how to care for your teeth, braces, or retainer. Avoid eating foods that are considered a risk for damaging braces. When participating in sports or other physical activities be sure to wear a mouth guard to protect your mouth in the event of physical contact. Following simple preventative measures can reduce the likelihood of needing emergency care!
Our Dental Care Emergency Services
Buckeye Immediate Dental officers comprehensive services for emergency dental care. We provide a patient-focused service and can provide relief for many oral emergencies. Our team handles a wide range of oral issues and operates above industry standards.
Root canals, crowns, wisdom teeth extractions, dentures, pain management, infections, night guards, fillings, emergency X-rays, and tooth extractions are all services that can be handled at our emergency clinic. Patients have the option to schedule an appointment ahead of time or can walk in during our clinic hours to receive immediate care.
Contact Buckeye Immediate Dental for Dental Emergencies
Regardless of your orthodontic or dental emergency, Buckeye Immediate Dental can provide relief and medical treatment during the hours your orthodontist is unavailable. This means even late on weekends our clinic is ready to serve you! To learn more information read about our services, hours of operation, and our approach to patient-centered care on our website!