Dentists can provide immediate care for urgent situations that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment. They address severe pain, dental trauma, or sudden infections while prioritizing same-day treatment for walk-in patients. Here is when to seek help from an emergency dentist:
Persistent Toothache
A persistent toothache indicates underlying issues like advanced decay that will not resolve naturally. It involves a low-level constant ache that remains present over time. The lingering pain may result from food debris trapped between teeth or beneath the gums, as well as teeth grinding.
Prompt professional intervention is needed to prevent the spread of infection and to avoid more invasive procedures. Doctors perform an evaluation to determine whether restorative treatments such as fillings or root canal therapy are needed to save the tooth. They also offer cosmetic treatments, like crowns and bridges, if necessary.
Tooth Cracking
A fractured tooth exposes sensitive internal nerves, increasing the risk of developing a painful infection. An emergency dentist provides tooth-colored fillings to repair cavities and minor damage while maintaining a natural appearance. For more extensive restorations, they use crowns to encase and strengthen a severely cracked tooth.
In extreme cases where a tooth breaks beyond repair, professionals perform extractions and provide dental implants. These act as artificial tooth roots that support restorations like crowns, bridges, or dentures. When properly maintained, dental implants provide a long-lasting solution.
Tooth Loss
Tooth loss involves completely dislodging the tooth from the socket due to a forceful impact or injury. This condition is a dental emergency because the nerves and blood vessels can be damaged during displacement. Professionals manage tooth loss through the following interventions:
- Time-sensitive treatment
- Immediate reinsertion
- Professional stabilization
- Permanent restorations
If you get to a dentist within the first few minutes, they may successfully save and reattach the natural tooth. The professional evaluates the area, cleans the socket, and uses a specialized splint to secure the tooth and promote healing. In cases where they cannot save the natural tooth, they provide full or partial dentures or implants to replace missing teeth.
Gum Swelling
Gum swelling is an inflammatory response to different dental and health-related conditions. It may occur due to plaque buildup, gingivitis, or periodontitis. Plaque buildup involves the accumulation of a sticky film of bacteria along the gum line. If not removed through proper hygiene, it hardens into tartar that continuously irritates the gum tissue. Gingivitis signals gum disease, characterized by swollen and tender gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing. Depending on the inflammation severity, dentists utilize targeted treatments to eliminate bacteria and restore tissue health.
Dental Abscesses
A dental abscess creates a pocket of pus inside the teeth or gums. These infections occur when bacteria invade the soft inner tissue of a tooth through a deep cavity or chip. The abscess is your immune system’s attempt to isolate an infection, and may rapidly spread to the surrounding bone. It causes redness and swelling in the face, cheek, or gums. If the abscess begins to drain, you may experience a persistent bad or metallic taste in your mouth, along with foul breath. A dentist focuses on eliminating the infection and relieving the pressure caused by pus accumulation.
Find an Emergency Dentist
Some practitioners offer safe sedation options to help patients relax during dental procedures. When an emergency involves severe tissue inflammation, dentists perform periodontal surgery to stabilize the infection and support the tooth structures. Contact a reputable dental office today to learn more about their emergency services.
