It can be a frightening experience when you realize that something is wrong with your teeth. Of course, you must seek dental care immediately if you have unexpectedly lost a tooth or have excruciating mouth pain. 

However, not all dental problems are emergencies; some may only call for a few deep breaths and patience. For instance, when your Invisalign (a device used to realign teeth) is misaligned or not functioning correctly for another reason. Then it can not really be classified as an emergency. 

You need to be aware of the situations in which emergency dental care is appropriate. The following circumstances necessitate seeking emergency dental care.

You have a broken tooth

You should see an emergency dentist immediately if your tooth was completely knocked out or chipped off due to an accident or fight. Although you may not feel pain immediately when your tooth breaks or cracks, don’t let that fool you. You should seek urgent dental care, even if you don’t feel anything. A knocked-out tooth leaves you susceptible to infections or tooth decay. Place the tooth between your cheek and gum or in a cup of milk to increase the chances of the dentist reinserting the knocked-out tooth.

You’re experiencing severe toothaches

You need to see a dentist if you have persistent and severe toothaches. This is particularly important if the pain interferes with your ability to eat or speak, radiates to your jaw, neck, or ear, or gets worse when you lie down. These are symptoms of tooth decay and gum disease. In the worst case, it could be an abscessed tooth, which needs to be treated immediately to prevent tooth or bone loss.

You have aching and bleeding gums

You should visit your dentist immediately if your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or floss. Gum disease, or gingivitis, is frequently characterized by bleeding and sore gums. In some cases, you might notice an unpleasant smell. If gum disease is not treated as soon as possible, it can ruin your gums and teeth. Early intervention can help save your mouth and restore your gums to health.

Your mouth or jaw is swollen

Swelling in the mouth or jaw can be caused by numerous things. A facial injury, swollen lymph nodes, or, in rare cases, cancer could cause swelling on the face and jaw. However, it is typically caused by an infection. Such an infection can start in a tooth’s root and spread to other body parts. It could get into the bloodstream and lead to a heart condition. Therefore, if you notice any swelling, ensure you seek emergency dental care, especially if it coincides with a fever or heat in the affected area.

Your crown or filling comes loose

Losing a filling or dental crown might not seem like a huge concern at first. It can be tempting to ignore it since you might not experience any pain or discomfort, but doing so would be a mistake as the filling was intended to protect the rest of the tooth. An open filling can be an invitation for infection and cavities. Delaying emergency dental care will increase the chances of needing a root canal to address the issue.

You should contact your emergency dentist immediately if you experience any of these conditions or situations. You can get in for a quick evaluation and examination. After diagnosing your condition, the emergency dental care team will treat you and help you regain your health. Never put off visiting an emergency dentist because your dental health and general well-being depend on the early detection of any problems.

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