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Dental Emergencies: How to Know When to Contact an Emergency Dentist

Are you experiencing oral pain but are unsure if you should contact an emergency dentist? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Determining what requires immediate attention and what will heal on its own can be challenging. So in this article, we aim to educate you on what constitutes a dental emergency. Keep reading to learn more. 

When You Should Call an Emergency Dentist

A dental emergency is when immediate treatment is required to alleviate dental pain or save a tooth. Many issues that require emergency dental care begin as minor problems such as cavities. However, they can morph into more severe dental complications if left unchecked.

But determining if a toothache needs immediate care or can wait for a regular booking is tricky. And this is especially true when you’re unsure what to look for. Here are five signs that you should contact an emergency dentist. 

1. Loose Tooth (or Teeth)

A healthy set of teeth will never be loose. So if you have a loose tooth, it’s a signal that something is off. Moreover, the tooth may fall out if not properly attended to. Some causes of a loose tooth can include:

  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • Trauma such as a sports injury
  • Grinding and clenching your teeth

In this case, emergency dental care is required to stabilize your tooth and prevent further impairment of its structure. 

2. Excruciating Toothache

Severe tooth pain is typically a sign that you should contact an emergency dentist. It may be caused by an infection or the pulp chamber being exposed to bacteria in the mouth. The only way to know is to book an emergency appointment. A dentist can help alleviate the pain by conducting the necessary treatments.

3. Aching or Bleeding Gums

Aching and/or bleeding gyms are typically a sign of gum disease at its more advanced stage of development. Often referred to as periodontitis, it can result in sensitive gums that bleed when you brush or floss. This condition can damage your gums and bone tissues, loosening teeth and leading to them falling out. Ensure you get immediate dental treatment for gum disease. Failure to do so will make it more difficult to treat over time. 

4. Jaw Inflammation

A swollen jaw can result from a serious infection. It happens when the salivary gland is infected, causing difficulty swallowing and breathing. If you are experiencing these (or similar) symptoms, seek immediate dental care. Additional jaw inflammation symptoms include: 

  1. Facial pain
  2. Difficulty opening your mouth
  3. Locking of your mouth joint 
  4. Neck or shoulder pain
  5. Pain behind the eyes
  6. Headaches
  7. Your jaw clicks or pops
  8. Ringing of the ears

Generally, the saliva gland becomes infected when an obstruction prevents saliva from performing its job (ensuring your mouth remains clean).

5. Dental Abscess

An infection that occurs within the tooth's root, a dental abscess is often very painful. It is typically caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or a damaged tooth left untreated, which can lead to an Infection. Minor dental surgery is required to drain and treat the infection.

Next Step: Contact Your Emergency Dentist Today

At Stoney Trail Dental, our expert dental team cares about your oral needs. We have a safe and comfortable clinic where we acknowledge your concerns and can alleviate your dental issues. Moreover, we accept walk-ins if you require an emergency dentist. So contact us today to relieve your oral pain.

Blog posts from Stoney Trail Dental are for general information only. The content should not be considered medical advice. If you need professional medical advice or assistance, please contact your local doctor or clinic.

Gurshant

Medically reviewed by Dr. Gurshant Grewal - a registered dentist on April 14, 2023

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