An emergency dentist may be necessary. The tissue that makes up your gums does not grow back, so it can be scary in the unlikely event that you get lacerated on your gums. To clarify, a cut that comes from everyday activities such as flossing, brushing your teeth too vigorously, or biting down wrongly on a tortilla chip is no real cause for concern. These minor wounds will heal expediently on their own.
If you slice your gum tissue and experience any of these symptoms, however, it is recommended that you see an emergency dentist:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you likely need medical attention and possibly even stitches. But before you rush out the door, here are a few first steps that you can take to make this process easier.
It’s important that you disinfect the wounded area. The mouth has one of the most frequent amounts of contact with foreign material in the human body. If you get cut, disinfect the area with mouthwash, salt water, or hydrogen peroxide heavily diluted with water.
After disinfecting the area, apply pressure with an absorbent material like a gauze pad. If you are experiencing a significant amount of pain, you can also apply ice for relief. Reassess the bleeding after ten minutes. If the wound has stopped bleeding after ten minutes, it will most likely heal well on its own. If the wound continues to bleed after ten minutes, you will need to see an emergency dentist.
If you have a large open wound in your mouth, here are a few of the possible outcomes that arise from lack of treatment:
Fistulas are visible white abscesses that bubble up with white pus. They are often mistaken for canker sores. They are the first signs of an infection and can be painful in high-traffic areas of the mouth.
Infections that have access to areas of the body with high blood supplies can spread quickly. Sinus infections are common symptoms that originate in the mouth and ear. Sinus infections are debilitating and can be quite painful.
Tooth loss is one of the most common consequences of open wounds in the mouth. The infection does not have to go very far to reach teeth or bones in the mouth. These conditions are extremely painful and life-altering.
In the unlikely event that you suffer from a significant laceration to the inner mouth, especially on your gums and around your teeth, it is wise to seek the attention of a medical professional. Remember to follow the steps mentioned earlier to help sterilize your wound and save your smile. Ask your dentist for more information about how to best care for your mouth as it recovers.
Request an appointment here: https://lbfamilydental.com or call Leila Zamiri DDS at (562) 387-1216 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in Long Beach, CA.
Seeing an emergency dentist for tooth extraction is sometimes necessary when pain, damage, or infection develops suddenly. Tooth extractions are typically planned in advance, but urgent situations may require immediate dental care to relieve symptoms and prevent further complications. Knowing when to seek help from an emergency dentist ensures that patients receive prompt and effective…
Wondering what an emergency dentist can do for you? Read on to learn more about this type of dental health professional. Dental emergencies can arise unexpectedly, causing significant discomfort and anxiety. An emergency dentist can help in such cases. They provide immediate care and relief by addressing urgent dental problems that cannot wait for a…
A toothache is often the first sign that you need to visit the emergency dentist. If the toothache persists for more than a few days, you could be dealing with an infected tooth or worse. Without treatment, the situation may worsen and cause eventual tooth loss. The dentist will examine the tooth to learn the…
Emergency dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses mainly on addressing issues that require urgent treatment. A regular dental appointment might require you to wait one or two weeks for the next open slot on your dentist’s schedule. That is not an option when dealing with dental issues that cause excruciating pain, bleeding or…
A new dental filling can help restore the function and integrity of a damaged tooth. However, it is important to be mindful of aftercare practices to ensure their longevity and prevent potential complications. Avoiding certain habits and foods immediately after a dentist places a filling can protect it and the tooth. Here is what you…
Aftercare is key to avoiding complications after tooth extraction. One common complication is dry socket, when the blood clot at the extraction site is lost or fails to form properly, exposing the bone and nerves underneath. Understanding how to care for the mouth after tooth extraction can help prevent dry socket and promote healing.Dry socket…