Dental emergencies are far common than one would expect. A broken or cracked tooth can occur with the simplest of falls. Sports injuries and accidents can knock out multiple teeth. Intense teeth pain can suddenly begin and continue to escalate. So, how do you know if you need to call an emergency dentist or not?

Here’s a simple guide to help you know if you need to call your emergency dentist or not.

Broken Teeth

It is best to see a dentist without delay in case of the completely knocked out tooth. Chances are your dentist will be able to save your tooth that way. Even if saving the teeth is not possible, you can prevent bleeding, pain, and possible infection with timely treatment. You cannot also eat or drink properly until the dentist has checked out the problem and treated it.

In order to find emergency dentists in your area, you can conduct an online search with your requirements and location. For instance, use emergency dentist Springfield VA or something similar as the search keyword. You can then call the dentist’s office and inquire if they have their schedule open for emergency visits. Most emergency dentists keep a few slots open in their schedule for urgent cases. So, you should be able to visit the clinic on short notice.

Abscess Tooth

An abscessed tooth is very painful and you may not want to wait for the clinic to open. You may want to see the dentist without delay. A dental abscess is an infection that occurs at the root. It can occur due to gum disease, cavities, or dental trauma. Abscess tooth can also cause fever, swollen glands, and leave a bad taste in the mouth.

If the pain is extremely severe then it is best to see the emergency dentist. If you feel you can wait for the normal dental clinic hours and see your regular dentist then do so by all means. But it is important to not delay the treatment as the pain will not go away until the infection is fully drained.

Severe Dental Pain

Dental pain can occur due to a number of reasons. If the pain is severe, it needs to be checked out by a dentist to diagnose the problem. If you can’t bear the pain any longer then it means you need to call an emergency dentist immediately.

The problem could be in the dental pulp, root, gums, or elsewhere. Swelling in the glands, infections, and oral injuries can all cause dental pain. Contact an emergency dentist if the pain is too intense and you simply cannot wait for the treatment to begin.

Dental pain can also be followed by total numbness in a tooth. It can happen if the infection spreads to the dental root. Complete numbness in a tooth requires immediate action. Your emergency dentist may want to check the affected tooth and diagnose the problem quickly. You may require undergoing a root canal procedure or any other type of dental surgery to correct the problem.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums can be indicative of gum disease. If your gums bleed and you also experience pain then it is time to see an emergency dentist. Bleeding gums can also become swollen and cause mild to severe ache. If the problem persists or becomes very severe then you need to see your dentist about it.

If your regular dentist is unavailable for some reason then contact an emergency dentist to check and diagnose the problem.

Swollen Jaw

Your jaw can become swollen due to a number of reasons. Infection and injuries are two major causes of a swollen jaw. Infection can also occur in your salivary glands; leaving you in pain. A swollen jaw can also be accompanied by fever, difficulty in breathing, and trouble swallowing. If you experience these symptoms then you should see an emergency dentist immediately.

In Nutshell

It is best to consult an emergency dentist rather than wonder and wait in pain. You can always call your dentist’s clinic or visit an emergency room and discuss your problem. The medical experts will be able to guide you about the next steps to take in order to tackle your emergency dental situation.