Dental emergencies can arrive without warning, and you may be unsure about what steps to take next. An emergency dentist is a dental professional who provides immediate treatment for urgent dental problems that cannot wait for a regular appointment. To do this, these practitioners are equipped to help relieve severe dental pain, stop ongoing bleeding, handle trauma, or save a compromised tooth. Here is more information about signs it’s time to see an emergency dentist immediately:
Knocked-out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is a clear-cut dental emergency, and quick action is needed. If this happens, reach out to an emergency dentist right away and act as fast as possible. Locate the tooth, and when handling it, hold the crown rather than the root; this reduces the risk of extra harm to the root’s delicate tissues. Keep the tooth moist, either in milk, a saline solution, or inside your cheek, to increase the chances of successful treatment.
Severe Pain
Pain that is intense, severe, or persistent typically indicates a significant dental issue, and you need to see a professional. Without direct intervention from a dentist, this sort of pain rarely disappears on its own. Deep cavities, exposed nerves, or abscesses are among the potential causes.
Swelling is a symptom that appears alongside dental pain. If your face, jaw, or gums look or feel swollen, an infection may have developed. An abscess is a collection of pus caused by bacteria, and it typically leads to throbbing pain, fever, or a bitter taste in your mouth.
Another warning sign is pain that radiates from your tooth to other areas, such as your ear, neck, or head. If you notice secondary pain, the dental problem has probably become advanced and could be affecting nearby tissues or nerves. Getting a prompt diagnosis helps prevent the issue from progressing and may reduce the risk of more severe outcomes.
Lost Filling or Crown
A sudden lost filling or crown leaves your tooth unprotected. This is typically quite uncomfortable, and your tooth may feel especially sensitive to temperature, air, or pressure. While the situation is rarely life-threatening, waiting too long may expose the tooth to decay or further breakage.
If a dental restoration falls out, try to find the missing piece and keep it clean. Bring it with you to your dental appointment for proper assessment. Your dentist will inspect the exposed area to check for structural problems or underlying decay, and they may provide a temporary or permanent solution depending on their evaluation.
Dental Trauma
Dental trauma refers to physical injuries to the mouth and teeth. Sports injuries, falls, car accidents, or even biting hard food can lead to oral trauma, causing pain, bleeding, or broken teeth. In many cases, you’ll notice the damage right away. Even if the injury appears minor, the damage beneath the surface may be serious enough to require immediate dental intervention. Dental trauma might lead to one or more of the following:
- Chipped or cracked tooth
- Dislodged tooth
- Cut to the gums or lips
Visit an Emergency Dentist Today
When you delay seeking help for a dental emergency, it may result in more complicated and costly problems down the road. Immediate professional care addresses the underlying issue and limits the risk of further complications. If you are facing pain, swelling, knocked-out teeth, dental trauma, or loss of a filling, contact an emergency dentist.
