Unfortunately, you can’t predict when an emergency is going to happen. This is true whether you get into a car accident driving down the street or your tooth suddenly chips while you are eating at a restaurant. It’s important to understand what the signs are that you might need emergency dental treatment so that you can decide whether to call an emergency dentist or wait for a regular appointment.
Swelling in the Jaw or Mouth
Many patients are shocked to know that it is not always obvious when you are dealing with a dental infection. A swollen jaw, swollen cheek, or swelling in a specific part of your gums might indicate an infection. It is critical to make an appointment with your emergency dentist as soon as you notice the swelling, as infections can get very severe and even deadly if they are not treated.
If you have additional symptoms, including fever or trouble breathing, you should contact your emergency dentist for additional advice or visit the emergency room before visiting the emergency dentist. In many cases, the infection will need to be treated before you can have the surgery or procedure necessary to repair your teeth if the infection is due to a damaged tooth.
A Broken or Chipped Tooth
Teeth can chip for a broad range of reasons, including trauma, an accident, or chewing something that is simply too hard. A seemingly minor chip or crack can lead to serious damage to the integrity of your teeth, so it’s important to seek out emergency dental treatment as soon as possible. When you visit an emergency dentist, they will evaluate the severity of the chipping or cracking and make recommendations for what to do, which might include the placement of a crown.
A Loose Tooth
Are your teeth loose or wiggling in your mouth? This could be the result of trauma or a direct impact on your teeth, or it could also be a sign of an infection. If you do not have this examined by an emergency dentist and treated quickly, you may have the tooth fall out entirely. You should never wait to seek care for a loose tooth in your mouth.
Pain When Chewing
Discomfort when chewing or eating can happen when you have enamel loss. For example, ice cream or ice cold water might lead to irritation or if you have sensitive teeth or enamel loss. It’s important to note that this is different from pain. If you experience sharp pain when chewing, you should make an appointment with an emergency dentist, as it might be a sign of a chipped tooth or something embedded in your gums that is causing you pain.
A Lost Tooth
Did you suddenly lose a tooth due to a collision, an accident, or something else? It is paramount that you contact an emergency dentist immediately. If you can see the dentist rapidly and do the right things, the tooth may remain viable and be easily replaced in your mouth. If you wait too long, you will not be able to put the tooth back in and you will require a dental implant or another method of tooth replacement.
An Abscess
A dental abscess is a common type of infection that can occur in your mouth as the result of tooth decay that has not been treated or advanced gum disease. A chipped tooth might also cause a dental abscess to form. Abscesses can be serious, and you should start by contacting your emergency dentist. Your dentist will be able to evaluate the situation and make sure that the area is treated if needed.
Some of the signs that you have a dental abscess include fever, pain, swollen lymph nodes, a bump in your gums at a specific spot, or a foul taste in your mouth. Even if you do not feel pain, you should still visit the dentist if you suspect you have an abscess.
Severe Pain
Finally, many patients experience tooth pain as a result of tooth decay. If you find that you are in severe pain to the point that it is impacting your ability to live your normal life, sleep, eat, or focus, you should make an appointment with an emergency dentist. The dentist will be able to take x-rays and perform an exam to determine the cause of the pain.