Dental Terms
Dental Terms
Dental Emergencies in North York
Unexpected dental issues can be painful and distressing, but you don't have to endure them alone. When dental emergencies strike in North York, our team at Smiles at North York Dental is here to provide you with prompt dental care. Your oral health is our priority, and we offer comprehensive emergency dental services to address your urgent needs.
Immediate Assistance
If you are experiencing a dental emergency during our business hours, please don't hesitate to call Smiles at North York Dental at 416-494-5488. Dr. Mahwish Raza iavailable to assist you and provide guidance.
When Should You Visit the Emergency Room?
We understand that dental emergencies can happen at any time, if you find yourself uncertain about whom to contact outside regular hours, especially in situations requiring immediate help by an oral surgeon, the hospital's emergency room personnel can contact the on-call oral surgeon.
While many dental emergencies can be treated by a dentist, there are situations that require immediate attention at the emergency room. You should visit the emergency room for the following dental issues:
- Difficulty breathing
- Fractured jaws
- Loss of consciousness
If you or someone you know experiences any of these severe conditions, it's crucial to seek medical attention at the emergency room right away.
When to Seek Dr. Mahwish Raza's Attention
There are various dental problems that require the attention of a dentist but may not necessitate an immediate visit to the emergency room. Some common dental issues that should be addressed by Dr. Mahwish Raza include:
- Fractured or broken teeth
- Severely chipped teeth with bleeding (not involving the gums)
- Blunt force injury to a tooth, which initially hurt but then seemed to improve before worsening again
- Chipped teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Loosened teeth, teeth pushed out of position, or teeth hanging loose
- Swelling of gums around teeth
- Swelling around wisdom teeth
- Swelling around the eye
- Swelling in the roof of the mouth
- Swelling in the jaw
- Severe or mild toothaches
Issues Requiring Dr. Mahwish Raza's Attention (Not Immediate)
Some dental problems, while important to address, do not require immediate attention unless they are accompanied by pain or noticeable changes in your bite. These issues should be treated before they cause significant discomfort or alterations in your oral health. They include:
- Broken or lost crowns or caps
- Broken or lost fillings
- Broken dentures or dental appliances
Dealing with Severe Toothaches
Toothaches can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. They can be straightforward or complex in nature. Sometimes, the pain is localized, making it easy to identify the problematic tooth. However, toothaches can also refer pain to other areas, such as the ear, chin, jaw, or throat on the same side as the affected tooth.
If you experience hypersensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks, spontaneous unprovoked tooth pain, or pain that wakes you up from sleep, you may have a toothache. It's crucial to seek the care of a dentist as soon as possible to address the issue.
Understanding Tooth Abscesses
Severe, painful abscesses in teeth are often caused by untreated tooth decay, cracked or broken teeth or fillings, or gum infections, especially in advanced cases of gum disease.
Your mouth naturally contains bacteria, but the solid enamel of your teeth acts as a barrier, preventing bacteria from entering the living pulp inside the tooth. When tooth decay erodes this protective enamel, or if you have a cracked tooth, bacteria can infiltrate the pulp. In response, your immune system sends white blood cells to combat the bacteria, leading to the formation of pus from dead tissue, bacteria, and white blood cells.
The confined space within a tooth does not allow for pus to accumulate, so it attempts to drain out through the tooth's root tip into the jaw, forming a pocket of pus. Abscesses can be detected through dental x-rays. The pressure and inflammation caused by abscesses can be excruciatingly painful.
Choosing the Right Painkiller for Toothache
Dental diseases can cause pain, and while seeking treatment is essential, there are effective painkillers that can provide relief until you can receive proper care. Toothaches can result from various conditions, including dental decay, cracked or broken teeth, exposed dentin, gum infections, and more.
Painkillers fall into two main categories: opioid (narcotic) and non-opioid analgesics. Opioid medications, like morphine derived from opium, are potent and can provide significant pain relief. However, they come with the risk of severe side effects and addiction and are not commonly used in dentistry except for short-term, acute situations.
Non-opioid analgesics are typically used to manage dental pain temporarily or as an adjunct to dental treatment. These medications can be effective in reducing inflammation or altering the brain's perception of pain through the nervous system. Combining different types of painkillers can enhance pain relief while minimizing side effects.
It's crucial to adhere to the prescribed dosage when taking painkillers, whether prescribed by a healthcare provider or purchased over the counter. Some medications may not be suitable for certain individuals, especially those taking other medications or with underlying medical conditions. When in doubt, seek professional advice before taking any medications.
Contact Smiles at North York Dental in North York
If you are experiencing a dental emergency or need urgent dental care in North York, please contact Smiles at North York Dental at 416-494-5488. Our dental team is here to assist you and ensure your oral health is promptly addressed. You can find
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