When to See an Emergency Dentist: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

More than two million Americans seek treatment for dental emergencies each year. Although most oral health problems don’t require immediate care, some can cause lasting damage without prompt treatment. 

At SolidSMILES Dental in Lewisville, Texas, emergency dentist Hiral Patel, DDS, provides same and next-day care for dental emergencies. After an oral exam, she can make personalized recommendations to relieve pain and keep your smile healthy.

Read on to learn more about dental emergencies and when to schedule an emergency dental visit. 

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is an oral health problem that requires immediate treatment. For example, if you get hit in the mouth and a permanent tooth falls out or your gums won’t stop bleeding after flossing, you should see a dentist immediately. Delaying treatment for another day or two could permanently impact your smile and increase the risk of lasting complications.

3 symptoms that warrant a trip to the emergency dentist

Knowing the difference between a dental emergency and a run-of-the-mill oral health problem can be challenging. However, watching for telltale symptoms can help, including:

1. Severe tooth pain

Almost everyone gets a toothache at one time or another, but if your symptoms don’t improve after taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, it’s important to identify the underlying cause. That’s especially true if the pain worsens with temperature changes or when you bite down on something. 

Intense, persistent tooth pain often indicates a more serious issue, such as nerve damage, deep decay, or infection. Visiting an emergency dentist can help prevent the need for extractions and save your smile. 

2. Knocked-out or loose teeth

Your permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, so it’s an emergency if they become loose or get knocked out due to trauma. If you lose a permanent tooth, act as quickly as possible. Getting to SolidSMILES Dental within an hour of your injury could mean the difference between saving and losing the tooth. 

The good news is that you can improve the chances of saving your tooth by gently placing it back in the socket if possible. If that’s not an option, store it in a glass of cold milk. Milk prevents the tooth from drying out and provides essential nutrients, increasing the chances of successful reimplantation. 

3. Broken or cracked teeth

Chipping or cracking a tooth isn’t as noticeable as losing a tooth altogether, but these injuries can still have lasting implications. For instance, a broken tooth can expose the nerves beneath and increase your risk of infection. Similarly, deep cracks can expose your tooth pulp to harmful bacteria, requiring a root canal. 

What to expect during emergency dentistry

Once you arrive at our office, we ask about your symptoms and determine whether an injury or trauma caused them. Then, we complete an oral exam and take digital X-rays to assess the severity of your dental emergency and guide treatment. 

Regardless of your needs, emergency dentistry aims to relieve pain quickly, improve your oral health, and keep your smile beautiful. 

Schedule emergency dentistry today

Contact us immediately if you or a loved one needs emergency dental care! Call SolidSMILES Dental today for an emergency dentistry appointment, book your visit online, or walk into the office during regular business hours.