When Do You Need to See an Emergency Dentist?

You might find yourself experiencing dental problems often, but it can be hard to know when the right time to see an emergency dentist is. A general rule of thumb is to seek help if you are in extreme pain. If a filling, crown or tooth has broken, it is also a good idea to visit an emergency dentist. Read on to learn more.

Broken tooth

If an individual has a broken tooth, then they should visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Getting help quickly can prevent too much bacteria from entering the area and causing decay. The sooner a patient gets help for a broken tooth, the more likely it is that an emergency dentist will be able to fix the issue for the patient. Before a patient goes to the emergency dentist, the patient can gently rinse the mouth with salt water to relieve pain and remove harmful bacteria.

A missing tooth restoration

A tooth restoration such as a crown or filling acts as an important barrier between the patient’s teeth and the bacteria in the mouth. If one of these tooth restorations breaks, it is more than an inconvenience for the patient. It is important to have this restoration repaired as quickly as possible. This is one of the most common types of dental emergencies.

Severe toothaches

Another common reason for an individual to seek out an emergency dentist is a severe toothache. Warm salt water can help to reduce the swelling and pain in the area. However, this is only temporary relief and patients should visit an emergency dentist quickly. The tooth may be abscessed, which is a severe infection that can quickly spread to other areas of the body if not taken care of.

Bleeding gums for no apparent reason

Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing can be a sign of gingivitis. This the first sign of gum disease and should be treated. However, it is not extremely serious for patients. On the other hand, gums that bleed when the patient is not brushing, or flossing can be a sign of advanced gum disease. A patient will need treatment to prevent the disease from advancing and causing permanent tooth loss.

Exposed nerves

There are many reasons why a patient’s nerves may become exposed. However, regardless of the reason, an exposed nerve can cause excruciating pain for a patient. Breathing, moving around and sipping drinks can all cause severe pain for a patient. A piece of sugarless gum can be used to cover the nerve and offer temporary relief.

Visit an emergency dentist today

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is a good idea to get immediate treatment. An emergency dentist can determine what is causing your symptoms. This dentist may give you a temporary fix until you can see a general dentist who has more tools. But getting immediate treatment can be the difference between saving your tooth and losing it.

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