A minor dental problem could escalate into a serious health concern if left unattended. Emergencies can arise without warning, impacting your oral health. Regular dental check-ups help maintain oral health, but certain situations require urgent attention to prevent further complications. Here are some instances when to seek emergency treatment from your dentist:
Severe Tooth Pain
A severe toothache indicates that something is wrong with your dental health and that you need emergency dental care. Such pain can arise from cavities, gum infections, and more severe conditions like infected teeth. Contact your dentist immediately if you experience a severe toothache accompanied by a fever, swelling, or foul taste in your mouth, as these could be signs of an infection.
Avulsed Tooth
An avulsed tooth, also known as a knocked-out tooth, is an urgent dental emergency. If you act quickly, the tooth can be saved and reinserted. The steps include locating the tooth, handling it by the crown rather than the root, rinsing it without scrubbing, and attempting to reinsert it into the socket. If reinsertion is impossible, keep the tooth moist in milk or saliva and seek immediate dental assistance. The sooner you get to a dentist, the better your chances of saving the tooth.
Severe Swelling or Mouth Infection
Severe swelling in the mouth is a sign of an infection and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. Symptoms include a fever, tooth sensitivity, persistent toothache, and swollen lymph nodes. Dental infections require urgent care from your dentist to drain the abscess and prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection. A delay in treatment can lead to the spread of infection to other parts of the body.
Lost Filling or Crown
Fillings and crowns protect and restore the structural appearance of your teeth. Damage and decay can occur when one tooth becomes dislodged or falls out. The symptoms of a lost filling or crown include sensitivity to temperature and pressure. Contact your dentist immediately to have the filling or crown replaced.
Bleeding and Pain After a Tooth Extraction
It is normal to experience bleeding and discomfort in the first 24 hours after a tooth extraction. If these symptoms continue, they could indicate a problem, such as a dry socket or infection. A dry socket is a condition that arises when the blood clot, which should form in the socket where a tooth has been extracted, fails to materialize or is dislodged. This leaves the underlying bone and nerves unprotected and exposed to external elements. This condition is characterized by pain, foul breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Prompt dental care can help alleviate the pain and facilitate healing. If you encounter ongoing bleeding or pain, contacting your dentist can help you avoid further issues.
Book an Appointment With Your Dentist Today
If you’re experiencing any of these dental emergencies, contact your dentist immediately. Waiting to seek treatment can prolong discomfort and lead to more complex, costly procedures. Seek professional advice if you’re in doubt about the best way to care for your teeth. Your dentist knows how to handle emergencies and will advise you on the best actions to take to maintain a healthy smile.