If you experience a toothache or have sustained an oral trauma, you might be wondering: Should I go to an emergency dentist? In this article, we discuss situations in which emergency dental services are indicated.
When Should I Go to an Emergency Dentist
Let us look at the most common cases that call for an emergency dental visit:
Severe Toothache
A severe toothache typically indicates an infected tooth. Infections can spread quickly and turn into a tooth abscess, affecting the surrounding gum tissue, jawbone, and teeth. Additionally, untreated infections often lead to tooth loss.
Apart from a persistent toothache, the most common signs of infection that require emergency treatment include:
- Swelling in the gums around the infected tooth
- Pimples or cysts on the gums around the infected tooth
- Changes in the color of the tooth (it can become brown, gray, or even black)
- Pus oozing from the periodontal pockets (the space where the gum connects to the tooth)
- Swelling in the face
- Fever or enlarged lymph nodes next to the head (when toothache and other symptoms are present)
If you experience difficulty swallowing and breathing or severe swelling in the neck in addition to other tooth infection symptoms, you might need to go to an ER before making an emergency dental appointment. These signs can signify that the infection has spread and may become life-threatening. An ER does not provide dental services (such as tooth extraction or root canal), but will provide emergency infection management with antibiotics and abscess drainage, if applicable.
A Chipped or Cracked Tooth
When a tooth is chipped or cracked, the inner dentine might become exposed, leading to infection or tooth loss. That is why it is important to see an emergency dentist right after the injury, even if you do not feel severe pain or experience bleeding.
If the tooth is broken near the gumline, it must be extracted as soon as possible to prevent severe infection, abscesses, or decay from spreading into the jawbone and surrounding tissues.
A Dislodged or Knocked Out Tooth
A dislodged (tooth that becomes loose due to trauma) or knocked-out tooth can be saved and heal with time if immediate medical attention is provided. It is essential to get an appointment within 30 to 60 minutes of the accident.
If your tooth is knocked out, bring it to the dental office, keeping it in a clean container filled with saliva or milk, or in your mouth between your cheek and the gum on your way to the dental office. Do not store your tooth in water, and do not allow it to dry out. You also should not clean your tooth with soap or rub it with tissues or a cloth.
If your tooth is dislodged but is still partially in its socket, do not try to reinsert it, as you can damage the nerves and blood vessels. Avoid touching the tooth with your tongue, and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek or mouth. If you arrive at the dental office within the first hour, your dentist can properly reinsert the tooth.
Make an Appointment at OC Dental Specialists
If you have sustained an oral trauma or experience signs of tooth infection, do not hesitate to visit an experienced emergency dentist at OC Dental Specialists. At our office, we provide a wide range of emergency services, from extractions to root canal therapy. We look forward to helping you restore and maintain your oral health.