From sudden pain to an accident, there are a variety of reasons why you might need an emergency visit to the dentist. Just like with any emergency, the sooner you act, the quicker your dentist can step in to help heal your dental issues and restore your oral health. If you’re not sure if it’s an emergency or not, these common instances help clarify things.
1. Tooth Knocked Out
One of the frequently occurring and most common reasons for an emergency dental visit is a knocked-out tooth. No matter how it happens, whether it’s a fall or sports-related, it’s vital to act as quickly as possible. While you might think your tooth is gone forever, if you can locate it and preserve it, your dental professional may be able to put it back within the first hour.
Also, you may have other damage and not realize it. Your dentist will check the rest of your teeth and gums for any trauma to prevent infection and swelling.
2. Sudden Severe Pain
If you’re experiencing sudden severe pain in your teeth or gums, an emergency visit to the dentist is definitely necessary. This can indicate an abscess, injury, or exposed nerve. Without treatment, the pain may only get worse, along with possible swelling and infection. The quicker you’re treated, the sooner the pain goes away.
3. Emergency Visit to the Dentist for a Swollen Jaw
While there are some things that cause a swollen jaw beyond dental issues, it’s a dental emergency if you’re also experiencing trouble chewing, a fever, a foul taste in your mouth, or even issues with breathing. This is a common sign of a major infection that needs to be treated as soon as possible to prevent further damage or worsening pain.
4. Damage to Existing Dental Work
A filling falling out or a crown breaking might not seem like an emergency, but when your dental work is damaged or falls out, your teeth are exposed. The longer you wait to address the issue, the bigger the risk of infection, exposed nerves, and further tooth damage. Acting fast means you’ll be able to avoid other dental procedures, such as extractions or root canals.
5. Exposed Nerve Pain
Whenever nerves are exposed, you’ll feel them. Sharp and intense pain and sensitivity may make it difficult to chew or even speak. The cause is the real emergency, though. From severe gum issues to a broken tooth, you need an emergency visit to the dentist to get treatment right away and get rid of the pain.
Dealing with a dental emergency right now? Contact us today to get treatment quickly.
