Toothaches, chipped teeth, and sudden swelling can be a pain — literally. Dental emergencies like these can strike at any time, causing a lot of stress and worry. But should you call the dentist? Or wait it out? When is a dental concern an emergency?
Let’s take a look at what constitutes a dental emergency, explore dental issues that need immediate attention, and where you can find emergency dental care when you need it right away.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Not all dental problems require the immediate attention of your dentist. A dental emergency is when you experience severe pain, risk spreading an infection, or need to prevent further damage to your teeth or gums. In these circumstances, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
Still not sure? Here are some signs you are experiencing a dental emergency:
- Unrelenting pain, such as constant throbbing in the jaw or ear
- Persistent swelling in the gums, jaw, or around a tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the gums or mouth
- Signs of injection, such as pus around a tooth, especially if accompanied by a fever
- Difficulty eating or speaking because of tooth or gum pain
- A broken, loose, or knocked-out tooth
If you are experiencing any problems like these, contact a dental professional. An emergency dentist will call you to assess the problem and get you in as soon as possible.
If you aren’t sure whether you are experiencing an emergency, contact your dentist’s office anyway. Their team can help you assess the situation and determine if you need to see the dentist.
Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies come in all shapes and sizes (and rarely at a convenient time). Here are some of the most common dental emergencies that require immediate care.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is a painful infection at the root. It might cause a toothache, swelling gums, or even cause your face to swell. You’ll need to see a doctor and start taking antibiotics to prevent it from spreading. Infections can become serious and even life-threatening, so don’t wait.
Soft Tissue Injuries to the Mouth
Injuries to your lips, tongue, or cheeks can be painful but could also result in serious dental damage. You may need stitches, pain medication, or monitoring for infection. Seeing your dentist once you’ve had medical treatment can help them ensure there is no lasting damage to your teeth or gums.
Dislodged and Broken Teeth
If you break or lose a tooth as an adult, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Time is critical in this situation. The sooner you see your dentist, the more options they’ll have to replace or repair the tooth.
What Happens at Your Emergency Dental Appointment
If your dentist asks you to come in for an emergency appointment, their priority is to help ease your pain as quickly as possible. They’ll start by assessing your condition, perhaps with a visual examination or by taking a few X-rays. Depending on what they find, they may give you pain medication or antibiotics or begin a procedure such as applying a temporary filling or crown.
Once they’ve addressed the immediate concerns, the emergency dentist will explain any ongoing treatment plans. They may ask you to come back for a follow-up appointment or talk to you about other treatment options. Their goal in ongoing treatment is to address the cause of the emergency and ensure that you are healing well.
An emergency dental team is there to help. They understand how scary a dental emergency can be. Ask them as many questions as you want, and don’t hesitate to voice any concerns. Their job is to help you stay calm and comfortable while you get the dental care you need.
Contact Full Heart Dentistry for Emergency Dental Care
Dental emergencies can be scary. By getting treatment right away, you can get relief and prevent more damage to your teeth, mouth, or gums.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, Full Heart Dentistry can help. Our team of experienced and compassionate dental care professionals can assess and treat your dental emergency. We provide exceptional care in a comfortable, calm environment and do everything we can to make a dental emergency a little less stressful.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact us immediately. We have dental emergency appointments available so you can get your smile back as quickly as possible.