4 Signs You Need to Call Your Emergency Dentist

No one ever expects a dental emergency to interrupt their day, but it’s quite common. In fact, 1 in 6 Americans needs urgent dental care annually. Unfortunately, many people don’t get the treatment they need right away because they don’t realize they are having a dental emergency. If you wait too long to see your emergency dentist, you might lose your tooth. Here are 4 common signs you need to call your dentist right away.

Signs of a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can take many forms, making it difficult to determine what constitutes as an issue that needs immediate care. Here are a few signs that indicate you need to call your dentist right away:

1. Severe Damage to a Tooth

Your teeth are durable, but they can be damaged. Chips and cracks can occur if you experience trauma to the face; however, they can also be caused by an untreated dental issue, like a cavity. Your dentist offers many solutions to fix chipped or cracked teeth, like cosmetic bonding or a dental crown.

While you wait for your appointment, it’s best to avoid chewing with your tooth and keep it clean. You can apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce any swelling and use an over-the-counter pain reliever to stop your discomfort.

• Intense, Persistent Tooth Pain

It’s common for people to believe an occasional toothache is normal, but it’s never a good sign. Persistent pain is often the result of an underlying issue, like an infection. If you don’t get it treated immediately, the infection can spread into your surrounding tissues, and you might lose your tooth. Your dentist can prevent needing an extraction by performing a root canal and protecting the tooth with a crown.

• Unexplained Swelling

Swelling along your mouth or jaw can originate from an infected tooth. Unfortunately, the infection will not go away on its own, and it can spread into the bloodstream. Your dentist will find the cause of the swelling to stop the infection. In the meantime, use an over-the-counter pain reliever to manage your discomfort.

• Sudden Tooth Loss

No one ever expects to lose a tooth, but 120 million Americans are missing at least one. While there are various causes for tooth loss, trauma is a leading reason. If you act fast, your dentist may be able to save your tooth. It’s best to hold your tooth by the crown and rinse it with water before trying to reinsert it back into the socket. If you aren’t successful, place it in a cup of milk.

Don’t Wait to Call Your Dentist

If you’re unsure if you have a dental emergency, don’t wait to call your dentist. They will walk you through first aid at home and get you into the office quickly.

About Dr. Patrick Crowley

Dr. Patrick Crowley earned his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. He’s completed advanced training in dentistry to treat complex cases, like dental emergencies. He used modern technologies to provide high-quality care, like all-ceramic restorations. If you have a dental emergency, contact our office today for an appointment.