5 Common Signs of a Dental Emergency

Almost everyone experiences a toothache or bleeding gums at one time or another. While symptom severity varies, knowing what is and isn’t a dental emergency is crucial. With that knowledge, you can take preventive action and determine the best steps to keep your mouth healthy.

At SolidSMILES Dental in Lewisville, Texas, emergency dentist Hiral Patel, DDS, provides same-day care for dental emergencies. This article explores five common symptoms that require immediate care.

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any oral health problem that requires prompt, professional attention. Not all oral issues are emergencies, but if you knock out a permanent tooth or have bleeding gums that don’t quickly improve, visiting a dentist is essential. Waiting too long may affect your oral health and cause lasting complications.

5 Telltale signs of a dental emergency

If you aren’t a dentist, knowing if a particular oral health problem is an emergency can be difficult. Thankfully, specific symptoms make the distinction easier, including:

1. Severe pain

Mild toothaches typically improve with ice and over-the-counter pain medication. But if you or your child experience severe tooth or gum pain, don’t wait to contact Dr. Patel. That’s especially true if the pain prevents you from sleeping, working, or performing other routine activities.

2. Bleeding gums

Most people’s gums bleed occasionally after brushing and flossing. The presence of blood usually means you have gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. However, if the bleeding continues for more than a few weeks, even after brushing your teeth more gently, it may indicate a more serious issue. 

The same rule applies if you get hit in the mouth and there’s no way to stop the bleeding. A quick exam can identify the source and prevent it from worsening.

3. Loose or missing teeth

Permanent teeth should last a lifetime, so if you notice one or several of yours are loose, schedule an emergency dentistry appointment. Do the same if you lose a permanent tooth due to trauma, like a fall or getting hit in the mouth. If you make it to our office within an hour of losing a tooth, we may be able to reinsert it and prevent additional damage.

4. Swollen gums and/or tongue

Swollen gums are a common side effect of gum disease and poor oral hygiene. Often, swelling subsides if you take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, but if your symptoms continue or the swelling extends to your face, contact us. Sometimes, swollen gums indicate an infection, so the sooner you seek treatment, the better.

5. Severely cracked or chipped teeth

Minor tooth chips and cracks are a common side effect of getting older. They may affect your smile’s appearance but typically aren’t something to worry about. However, more severe tooth damage, like a major chip, can expose the sensitive tissues inside your teeth and increase the risk of infection.

Emergency dentistry can keep harmful bacteria at bay and speed healing to keep your mouth in tip-top shape.

Stop in today if you need emergency dentistry

If you or a loved one suffers a dental emergency, contact Family Dental Group today for an appointment. Call the Lewisville, Texas, office at (469) 993-0633, book your visit online, or stop into the office during business hours.