Dental emergencies can happen at any time. In some cases, waiting even a day to see your regular dentist could result in permanent damage. T
t’s why it’s so important to recognize moments when you need emergency dental care. In such instances, you may be wondering, “Is now the right time to visit an emergency dentist near me”? Here’s a guide on when to see an emergency dentist right away.
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Severe, Unrelenting Pain
One good sign of a dental emergency is when the pain is severe and won’t stop, such that it’s very difficult to bear even with over-the-counter pain medication. If pain reaches this threshold, it’s important to seek urgent help right away rather than trying to wait for a standard dental appointment.
Such a tooth is likely infected. An abscessed tooth won’t get better on its own. The infection will continue to spread, destroying tissue and bone and eventually causing fever, facial swelling, and more systemic issues.
That’s when to see an “Emergency Dentist near me” immediately to treat the abscess before it turns into a life-threatening situation.
Trauma To The Mouth
Anytime you suffer an injury to your mouth, like getting hit and losing a tooth or having a tooth knocked loose, see an emergency dentist right away. The sooner a lost tooth is reimplanted, the better the chances it can be saved.
A dentist may be able to splint a loose tooth to give it a chance to tighten up again. At the very least, they can smooth sharp edges and prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection in traumatized tissue. Don’t take a wait-and-see approach with dental injuries.
Difficulty Breathing Or Swallowing
Facial swelling around the mouth, jaw pain, and difficulty breathing or swallowing are signs that an infection has advanced beyond just being in the tooth. It has likely spread deeper into tissues around the jaw, throat, and neck.
This warrants an emergency dental visit to get IV antibiotics, drain any abscesses, and prevent the infection from getting into the chest cavity or brain which can be fatal. Don’t wait for the swelling to go down on its own. Seek emergency care.
Bleeding That Won’t Stop
A little blood when brushing is normal, but significant bleeding that won’t stop could indicate advanced gum disease or trauma to the gums. Bleeding after dental surgery is also common but should subside after an hour or so.
If heavy bleeding persists longer than that, contact your dentist, as you could have a severed artery that needs treatment. Don’t let the bleeding continue until your next scheduled appointment. Heavy bleeding needs to be addressed immediately to prevent blood loss issues.
Lost Fillings Or Crowns
Don’t leave a gaping hole in your tooth after a filling or crown falls out. The exposed inner portion of your tooth is vulnerable. Food and liquid can seep down into the root, bacteria will invade, and before long, you’ll have a painful infection.
Temporary filling kits can help in a pinch, but the best move is seeing a dentist that same day to seal the tooth properly. The longer you wait, the more decay will set in.
How Can an Emergency Dentist Near Me Help?
Seeing an emergency dentist promptly for issues like severe toothaches, dental injuries or infections can prevent minor problems from advancing into major dental work or health issues down the line.
An emergency dentist is equipped to thoroughly examine the problem, diagnose the cause, and provide immediate treatment options to alleviate pain and prevent further damage.
Finding an Emergency Dentist Near Me
Any dental emergency has the potential to get worse the longer you delay treatment. Severe pain, injuries, heavy bleeding, and infection can all eventually lead to tooth loss or worse if not addressed quickly. Don’t tough it out overnight or until your regular dental visit.
Be proactive and see an emergency dentist right away if you experience any of these issues. The sooner you get treatment, the better chance your dentist has of saving your tooth and stopping more extensive problems.
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