Soft Tissue Dental Emergency Situations
Sometimes dental emergencies do not affect the teeth, but the soft tissues of the mouth instead. This is something that happens when the gums are injured in some way, and while the gums usually stop bleeding fairly quickly, this is not always the case. There are other signs as well that the gums need immediate medical care, so keep reading to learn about a few types of situations that require the expertise of an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Continuous Bleeding
A cut to the gums can bleed excessively just like any other wound. And, like cuts to the skin, this is is usually an issue when a laceration is deep. Deep lacerations are likely to damage more blood vessels, and the deeper the cut, the more substantial the blood vessels become. So, if a deep cut is experienced and bleeding continues for 20 to 30 minutes, then it is time to see a dental professional. Stitches may be needed to close up the wound.
You should of course try to stop bleeding on your own first, unless you see a large gap between the cut tissues. This is an open or gaping wound that must be closed. If this type of wound is not present, then rinse your mouth out gently with salt water and then place a cool cloth against the site. The salt water will help with disinfection while the cool cloth will cause the blood vessels to constrict and hopefully stop the bleeding.
Keep in mind that blood loss from the head or mouth can cause some dizziness and you may feel as though you will faint. If you feel this way, then make sure to ask a family member or friend to take you to the dentist since it will be unsafe to drive.
Substantial Tissue Loss
The roots of the teeth are extremely sensitive and covered in a thick layer of gum tissue. This tissue protects the roots from pressure and temperature variations. Since the dental roots are not covered in enamel, this is how the lower portions of the teeth are protected from cavities and general erosion.
If a soft tissue injury has caused the dental roots to become exposed, then the roots will send out strong pain signals almost immediately. Pain can be quite intense even when the roots are exposed to the air, this pain will continue until the roots are covered again.
Root coverage may involve the placement of soft tissue from other regions of the mouth, like the upper palate or it may involve the placement of dressings and collagen to help encourage healing.
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