Signs That You Need to Visit an Emergency Dentist

No matter how you feel about the dentist, there are some pretty clear signs that you need to see one and in a hurry. If you are dealing with an emergency, you may not even be able to wait until morning but will need to see the dentist right away.

There are some situations where you just shouldn’t wait and since many dentists can be booked for weeks ahead of time, it’s important to look for an emergency dentist who can see you right away. After all, if you’re suffering and in pain, you really don’t want to wait a month to see someone.  

Here are some top signs that you need to visit an emergency dentist.

When Should You Seek Emergency Dental Care?

Not all dental issues are emergencies, but the following situations are all important enough that you should seek a dentist immediately.

Your Tooth Hurts Badly

You should not ignore dental pain, though it’s pretty difficult to do anyway. If you have a tooth that is hurting and throbbing, you need to see a dentist. This is particularly important if the pain won’t let you sleep, or is radiating to your ear, neck, or jaw, and is worse when you lie down. These are signs that you have a serious problem with your tooth. It may be anything from a cracked tooth to an infection, but it needs to be treated right away.

Your Filling Comes Out

At first glance, losing a filling may not seem like a big deal. You may not feel any pain or discomfort, so it can be tempting to just leave it - that would be a mistake, since the filling was there to protect the rest of the tooth. The softer section of the tooth is exposed and will wear down quickly, plus there may be fissures and cracks in the tooth that have caused the filling to come loose.  

The tooth will need to be seen by a dentist as soon as possible to replace the filling and eliminate the potential issues that may occur. A new filling should last for years to come.

Your Jaw is Swollen

Swelling in the mouth usually is a sign of an infection and it should be seen immediately. Infections in the mouth occur for a large number of reasons, but all of them can turn dangerous rapidly if left untreated. The main problem here is the infection getting into the bloodstream and wreaking havoc on your body.  

Infections in the mouth have been linked to heart disease and can cause all sorts of issues throughout your body. Be sure to treat any swelling as soon as possible, particularly if it comes with a fever or heat in the area of the swelling.

You Find a Growth or Sore in Your Mouth

If you find that you have a growth, even a small one, that will just not go away, it’s time to see the dentist and sooner, rather than later. The growth may be painful to the touch, or it could just feel like the rest of your gums, but either way, it could be a serious problem such as oral cancer. Although this is a worst-case scenario, it’s always best to visit a professional so see a dentist immediately.

Your Tooth Is Broken

There’s not much that feels worse than biting into something and hearing a crack, only to realize that your tooth has broken. You may notice that it is cracked or you could have an entire chunk break off. This is particularly common in teeth that already have a cavity or filling that has weakened them.  

Broken or cracked teeth don’t always hurt immediately, but don’t let that fool you. You should get checked out immediately, even if you don’t feel anything. The longer you leave the broken tooth, the more time bacteria has to eat into the exposed surface. Your dentist will work hard to save your tooth, but there may be some extreme measures taken in order to keep it in your mouth. This may include a root canal, depending on the situation.

Your Teeth Are Loose

After your adult teeth are in, you shouldn’t ever experience loose teeth. However, a tooth may be knocked out by a blow to the face. Whether it is due to a fight, a ball to the face, or a car crash, or something similar, you need to immediately seek medical attention for the teeth.  

Some teeth may even fall out. If this happens, you must collect them and hurry to the dentist to find out how to replant the wayward tooth. Your dentist will let you know how to keep the teeth safe while you are on your way to the dental clinic. Often, it’s recommended that you place them in milk while you hurry to see the dentist. The dentist can help your teeth replant in your mouth, but only within a limited time frame.

You Feel Popping in Your Jaw

Cracking or popping in the jaw is never a great sign and if you feel like your jaw tends to lock up, then you need to see a dentist. This may indicate that you have a condition called TMJ, where your jaw gets stuck. It can cause clicking and grinding sounds as you chew (usually only heard by yourself) and it can cause pain in the jaw and limited movement, as well. Your dentist can help you treat the TMJ, though it can be a long treatment. The earlier you treat it, the better.

Your Tooth is Numb

When a tooth has been hurting and then abruptly stops and feels numb, it is not a good sign. You may be happy the pain is gone, but it usually means that an infection has reached the root of the tooth. This is when you need to seek a dentist immediately. There’s too much that can go wrong here.

If you don’t let the dentist see your tooth and handle the issues faced, you could end up with an infection in your jawbone.

You Have Aching, Bleeding Gums

If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or floss, you should seek help. Your dentist should be able to determine what is going on and if you have gum disease.  

Gingivitis, or gum disease, can be very destructive and can ruin your gums and your teeth, so it’s essential that it is treated as soon as possible. However, bleeding and aching gums is a common sign of this disease. In some cases, you’ll even notice an unpleasant smell. By treating it early, you can save your mouth and restore your gums to health.

Finding a Good Emergency Dental Clinic

Not all local dentists will provide emergency dental services, but you should be able to find a few that do. As much as you want to get help immediately, it pays to take a moment to find the right dentist. You want to look at reviews and make sure they are well liked. There’s no point in going to someone for help, only to have them bumble about and do a terrible job.

When you need emergency dental services, you’re likely in pain and upset. It may be helpful to have someone else help you find the right person. Word of mouth is a good way to determine if a dentist is a good fit for you and it can also give you a good idea of whether or not they can handle the job.

There are many things that can go wrong with your teeth and many of them are quite fixable. However, leaving some situations for too long will limit what your dentist can do for you. Often, such as in the case of loose teeth or teeth that have been knocked out, time is of the essence and you’ll find yourself with more serious issues if you don’t rush to the dentist immediately.

Once you have found your dentist, don’t waste any time in getting an appointment. You need to be seen immediately. This will also determine which dentist you see, since some may not be ready for you. If there is any delay, look elsewhere to find someone as soon as possible.  

Are you in pain and worried about your teeth? Contact Acorn Dental Health for emergency dental services and let us ease your mind. Make your appointment today.