When to See an Emergency Dentist

Dental emergencies can occur at any time and often without warning. Knowing when to seek an emergency dentist is crucial to preventing further damage or complications. If you find yourself in a situation that requires urgent attention, seeing an emergency dentist can be the difference between saving or losing a tooth. Here’s a guide on what dental emergencies are and how to handle them.

1. Severe Toothache

One of the most common reasons to see an emergency dentist is a severe toothache. The pain could be continuous or it might occur only when pressure is applied to the tooth. If the pain is unbearable and is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication, it’s a sign you need to visit an emergency dentist immediately. Severe pain may indicate an abscess or other infections that require prompt treatment.

2. Knocked-Out Tooth

If you have a tooth that has been completely knocked out, time is of the essence. Seeing an emergency dentist within an hour can increase the chances of saving the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root, rinse it with water if it’s dirty, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or a tooth preservation product and head to the dentist immediately.

3. Loose or Misaligned Tooth

If your tooth is loose or out of alignment, you should see an emergency dentist right away. You can try to gently put the tooth back in its original position with your finger, but do not force it. Biting down to keep the tooth from moving can also help, but the most important step is to see a dentist as soon as possible to stabilize the tooth.

4. Chipped, Cracked, or Fractured Teeth

While small chips are not usually an emergency and can often wait for normal dentist hours, a significant crack or fracture in a tooth is a different story. Such damage can affect the inside of the tooth as well as the outside and is often painful. If you have a severely cracked or fractured tooth, it’s important to see an emergency dentist immediately to assess the extent of the damage and begin necessary treatments.

5. Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition where a pocket of pus in the tooth has led to an infection. Signs of a dental abscess include severe, persistent, throbbing toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, fever, tender lymph nodes in your neck, swelling in the face, and a pimple-like bump on your gums near the infected tooth. This condition is an emergency as the infection can spread into your jaw, surrounding tissue, and other areas of the body. Before you see the dentist, rinse your mouth with mild salt water several times to reduce the pain and draw the pus to the surface.

6. Bleeding and Ache After a Tooth Extraction

It’s normal to experience some bleeding and pain after a tooth extraction, but if either persists, it might be a sign of a bigger problem, such as an infection or dry socket. If your bleeding does not stop after 20-30 minutes of applied pressure or if you have intense pain several days after the extraction, it’s crucial to contact an emergency dentist.

7. Injury to the Jaw or Mouth

If you’ve sustained an injury to the jaw or soft tissues of the mouth — which might include tears, puncture wounds, or lacerations to your lips, cheek, mouth, or tongue — seeing an emergency dentist is necessary. Clean the area with warm water and use a cold compress to reduce swelling, but get to the dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible.

When in Doubt, Call an Emergency Dentist

If you are experiencing any form of dental discomfort and are unsure if it constitutes a dental emergency, it’s better to err on the side of caution and contact an emergency dentist. In Berwyn, there are dentists available who can provide urgent dental care and advise you on the best course of action. Remember, quick action can often save your teeth and significantly reduce the risk of long-term issues.

Never ignore dental pain or injuries, as they can have serious consequences if not treated promptly. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a severe infection, or an unbearable toothache, an emergency dentist is equipped to handle and treat dental emergencies efficiently. If you’re in Berwyn and find yourself in need of urgent dental care, don’t hesitate to seek out an emergency dentist immediately. Your oral health is too important to wait.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.