Categories: Emergency Dentist

When to See an Emergency Dentist

An emergency dentist can fix you right up when dental emergencies occur. Serious injuries to the mouth clearly require emergency treatments, but other seemingly less serious dental problems might leave you wondering if you need an emergency dentist.

Figuring out when you need an emergency dentist

This article will explore some common injuries that need immediate dental treatment:

1. Fractured tooth

One of the most common reasons why a person might need emergency dental services is a fractured tooth. It can be caused by trauma from accidents or contact sports. Or a weakened tooth that can no longer withstand the forces created by the jaw when chewing.

The treatments options for a fractured tooth include crowns, dental bonding or extraction. An extracted tooth would usually be replaced with a dental prosthetic afterward.

2. Knocked out tooth

Such an injury requires immediate treatment since an intact tooth that has fallen out can usually be reattached if the person gets to a dentist within a few hours. If reattachment is no longer an option, the tooth can be replaced with a dental prosthetic.

3. Infection

An infection can lead to excruciating toothaches, and it requires immediate treatment. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and infect vital organs like the brain and heart. During the earlier stages, an infection can typically be treated with a root canal, which involves removing the tooth's soft tissues and nerves.

A severe infection might require extraction of the patient's tooth to preserve their health.

4. Severe toothaches

Toothaches should never be ignored, particularly the severe ones. It is the body's way of informing the brain something is wrong in the mouth. A severe toothache that does not go away within 30 minutes might be a sign of severe dental issues like an infection.

Toothaches can be managed with home remedies like rinsing the mouth with salt water or over-the-counter pain relievers.

5. Bleeding in the mouth or gums

Any cut in the mouth that leads to bleeding that lasts longer than 30 minutes requires emergency dental treatment. If left unchecked, the blood loss can lead to other complications. Anyone who experiences severe blood loss from their mouth should go to an emergency room.

6. Swelling around the gums and jaw

A swollen face, jaw or gums requires immediate treatment. If one is unable to move their jaw, that might be a sign of a problem with their temporomandibular joints. Inflammation around the face and jaw can also be a sign of an infection.

A swollen face should never be ignored. It is often a sign of a serious dental problem developing.

Dealing with a dental emergency?

At David L. Baker DDS PA, we have lots of experience dealing with dental emergencies. There will be little to no wait times, and our staff will help you figure out the best course of treatment for whatever brought you to the clinic. Getting emergency dental care has never been easier.