Anyone can have a dental emergency at any time. If you have a quick, sharp toothache or a tooth that gets knocked out, you need to see a dentist right away. Regular checkups with the dentist are important for keeping your teeth healthy, but it’s also important to know when to call an emergency dentist.
A dental emergency is when you need to see a dentist right away because the problem is very bad and needs to be fixed right away. Pain or discomfort should not be ignored because it could be a sign of a more serious problem that needs quick care.
If you need to call an emergency dentist, here are some signs:
Severe pain: You shouldn’t ignore a tooth or jaw pain that won’t go away or that throbs. If over-the-counter painkillers don’t help, you should call an emergency dentist right away.
Too much bleeding: Too much bleeding after an injury or dental treatment can be scary. If direct pressure doesn’t stop the bleeding after 10 to 15 minutes, you should see an emergency dentist.
Facial swelling: Swelling, especially if it hurts, could be a sign of an illness or abscess. An emergency dentist can figure out what’s wrong and treat it.
Broken tooth or teeth: If you have a cracked, broken, or completely missing tooth, you need to see an emergency dentist right away. Getting treatment right away can help you keep your tooth and stop it from getting worse.
A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that needs to be treated right away. Keep the tooth wet if you can and try to put it back in its place. Then, get to an emergency doctor right away.
If you have pain or stiffness in your jaw and can’t open or close your mouth easily, you may have a problem with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or another serious oral health issue. An emergency dentist can look at the problem and suggest the best way to treat it.
Foreign object stuck in your teeth or gums: Call an emergency dentist right away if you swallowed or stuck something foreign in your mouth by accident. They can take the thing out safely and avoid problems.
If you have a tooth infection, you may have pus, fever, red streaks around the affected area, or a bad taste in your mouth. These need to be taken care of right away by an emergency dentist.
Care After Hours:
Most dentist offices only open during certain times. It takes some planning to find an emergency dentist when your usual dentist is closed. There are dental offices open 24 hours a day, seven days a week in many places, or you can call your local Dental Helpline or NHS 111 for help.
How to Avoid Dental Emergencies:
Even though you can’t always plan for tooth problems, here are some things you can do to lower your risk:
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss every day to keep your mouth healthy.
Eat a variety of foods and avoid too many sugary snacks.
When you play contact sports, you should wear a mouthguard to keep your teeth from getting hurt.
You should get annual checkups and cleanings at the dentist.
Knowing when to call an emergency dentist can mean the difference between being able to handle a small problem and having to deal with a bigger one. Do not wait; if you notice any of the above symptoms, you should see a dentist right away. Remember that getting help right away can often stop the damage from getting worse and save you pain and money in the long run.