Dental emergencies can strike without warning, and knowing how to identify one can help preserve your smile. Some problems can be resolved at the next dentist appointment. However, others require immediate attention to relieve tooth pain, fight infection, and save damaged teeth. Understanding the warning signs of a dental emergency can help you take care of your dental health when it matters most.
Severe Tooth Pain That Won’t Go Away
If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, you may need to see your dentist as soon as possible. Toothaches can be a sign of an infection or abscess in your mouth, severe tooth decay, or damage to the nerve of a tooth. If your pain is throbbing, severe, or preventing you from eating or sleeping comfortably, contact your dentist right away. Waiting longer will allow the problem to worsen, but your dentist can relieve your pain.
Missing or Loose Tooth
Trauma to a knocked-out adult tooth is considered a dental emergency. If your tooth comes out completely, contact your dentist immediately. Your dentist may be able to save the tooth if you act fast. If you can find the tooth, rinse it without scrubbing and store it in liquid until your dental appointment. Loose teeth can also occur because of an injury or accident and should be checked by your family dentist as soon as possible.
Swelling or Signs of Infection
Swelling of the gums, jaw, or cheeks can indicate a serious infection in the mouth. Dental infections spread quickly in the body, possibly becoming life-threatening if not treated soon. Other signs of infection can include fever, foul taste in the mouth, pus next to the gums, and difficulty swallowing. Getting emergency dentist care right away can prevent the infection from spreading further and protect your overall health.
Cracked, Broken, or Chipped Teeth
Cracked or broken teeth can expose sensitive nerve endings. This may increase your chances of infection and cause a toothache. Some chips in teeth may not need emergency care. However, if you have a large fracture or a broken tooth that is causing pain, getting emergency dental care can fix the tooth and relieve any pain or discomfort.
Uncontrolled Bleeding
If bleeding persists after a dental injury or procedure, don’t ignore it. Bleeding that won’t stop may be a sign you have injured your gums, soft tissues or something else inside of your mouth. You can usually alleviate the issue by applying gentle pressure, but if bleeding continues you will need to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Don’t Ignore These Common Dental Emergencies
While it’s natural to want to wait out the pain, ignoring dental problems can cause more pain, cost you more money in treatment and damage your oral health in the long run. Severe pain, swelling, trauma or infection are all dental emergencies that require immediate care. Come into Cyprus Family Dental when you are facing a dental emergency. We offer same day treatment so you can get fast relief and protect your smile. Contact us today by calling (801) 250-0203 or fill out our online form. We’re here to help with your next dental emergency.