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Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care

by | Feb 12, 2025 | Dental Emergency

Dental problems can happen anytime. The pain, and swelling caused by severe gum infections or a knocked-out tooth can be dreadful. But the struggle people face is not knowing when to seek emergency dental care. Delaying dental treatment heightens your suffering and poses a great risk of losing a tooth or two or more. 

So here we have described below the signs of dental emergency to indicate an urgent visit to an emergency dentist:

1. Severe and Persistent Tooth Pain

  • Intense tooth pain that lasts more than two days may indicate deep decay, infection, or an abscess.
  • A cracked tooth or exposed nerves can cause sharp, stabbing pain. Neglecting the pain is not a smart choice. 
  • If you experience a lingering toothache after eating hot or cold foods, you might be struggling with nerve damage.

2. Uncontrolled Gum Bleeding

  • Bleeding gums after brushing is not normal. Undetected gum disease might cause this. , But excessive gum bleeding requires immediate oral care.
  • Unexplained gum bleeding with swollen or receding gums can be due to advanced periodontal issues.
  • A deep cut or injury to the gums can lead to infections if treatment is denied.

3. Loose or Knocked-Out Tooth

  • A loose tooth in adults is not a welcome card for the tooth fairy. It’s a sign of trauma or underlying disease. No matter the reason behind your loose tooth, quick detection is key for on-time treatment. 
  • You can reimplant a knocked-out tooth within an hour. That’s why you must be quick with your dental treatment. 
  • Keep the detached tooth in milk or saliva until you get to see a dentist.

4. Swollen Face or Jaw

  • Jaw or face swelling always requires immediate medical attention. Oral infection, abscess, or salivary gland blockage can cause this. 
  • Facial swelling with fever suggests the spread of infection. If you suffer from this, don’t delay your treatment.

Consult a dentist in Houston to prevent oral complications from worsening.

5. Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations

  • If you have undergone a filling, crown, or bridge treatment, you must pay close attention to how they perform. Losing any of these exposes your tooth to bacteria and decay.
  • You might struggle with teeth sensitivity and discomfort the longer the tooth remains unprotected.

6. Sores or Unhealed Ulcers in the Mouth

  • Canker sores or ulcers are painful. While they often go on their own, if you notice them to last for more than two weeks, you might need emergency dental care.  
  • White patches inside the mouth could be signs of oral cancer.
  • Painful lesions that make mealtime dreadful or talking seems like a difficult task, must be taken for thorough evaluation.

Delaying treatment can worsen the problem and lead to severe complications. If you experience signs (extreme pain, swelling, infection, or trauma) of dental emergency, visiting an emergency dentist is crucial. Nothing comes close to the efficacy of prompt emergency dental care and prevents tooth loss, serious infections, and unnecessary suffering.

Call us today to schedule an urgent dental appointment and protect your smile!