Going to the dentist can often be put off due to discomfort or cost. However, ignoring dental issues can sometimes lead to bigger problems down the road that require emergency dental care. Here are 5 signs indicating you need to see an emergency dentist immediately.
Severe Tooth Pain
If you’re experiencing intense, throbbing tooth pain that won’t subside with over-the-counter pain relievers, it’s time to see an emergency dentist. Severe tooth pain can indicate a cracked tooth, abscess, or infection that needs immediate attention before it spreads or worsens. An emergency dentist can determine the cause and provide pain relief right away.
Jaw Pain or Swelling
Swelling or pain in your jaw could indicate a potential infection. Jaw infections often stem from an untreated dental issue like an abscessed tooth. Emergency dental treatment may be needed to drain an infection, and antibiotics may be prescribed before the infection spreads to other areas of your face or body. The sooner you see an emergency dentist, the easier it will be to treat.
Knocked Out Tooth
If you take an accidental blow to the mouth and one of your teeth gets knocked out, see an emergency dentist as soon as possible. There’s a limited window of time to try and replant an avulsed tooth – usually within 30 minutes for an adult tooth. An emergency dentist can assess if replantation is possible and take the appropriate steps to give the tooth the best chance at surviving. This is definitely not something you want to put off.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
A cracked, broken, or severely chipped tooth needing repair may require emergency dental care to prevent further damage or infection. Depending on the extent of the breakage, an emergency dentist can provide temporary restoration or stabilization to get you comfortable until a follow-up visit with your regular dentist can be scheduled for a more permanent fix.
Dental Injury to Your Mouth
Trauma to the mouth from an accident, sports injury, or fall that results in facial swelling, bleeding gums, or loose, fractured, or knocked-out teeth necessitates an emergency dental visit. An emergency dentist needs to examine the extent of the injuries, rule out any fractures of the jaw bone, and provide initial treatment like cleaning wounds, prescribing antibiotics or pain medication, and performing emergency fillings or extractions. Delaying care for an oral injury can lead to serious complications.
If you’re experiencing any severe dental symptoms listed above, don’t hesitate to contact Ridgetown Dental Centre for a prompt evaluation. Whether you have a chipped tooth after a fall or a cracked crown from chewing hard food, our dentists are well-equipped to handle dental injuries and pain. Your oral health and smile are in good hands with us.
