Going through a dental emergency can be incredibly stressful. What might have begun as a mild pain may have exacerbated into sheer agony. Even worse, seeking immediate assistance is difficult when this happens at odd hours of the day.

Dental emergencies are often unpredictable, which is why it’s essential to take immediate action and see your dentist when you feel an uncomfortable sensation in your mouth. Whether it’s a broken crown or gum swelling, these instances must be treated right away before it leads to severe complications.

Dental Problems to Watch Out For

Understanding the difference between minor dental issues and total dental emergencies will prevent pain and suffering and steep prices. It is often much more expensive to treat dental emergencies than to address minor tooth problems. Catching it before it gets worse can save a lot of time and money. 

However, some tooth problems occur suddenly and without warning. Here are dental issues that require you to seek emergency dental care:

  • Painful swelling
  • A loose tooth
  • Dislodged or knocked-out permanent tooth
  • Profuse bleeding in the gums
  • Injured jaw
  • Painful toothache
  • A cracked tooth that causes excruciating pain

These are incredibly severe cases that need to be treated immediately. Otherwise, they will worsen and lead to complications that are even more difficult to treat.

Minor Issues That Can Wait

However, some dental problems may be a little painful but do not require immediate treatment. Although they have to be checked as soon as possible, these can often wait until the soonest appointment.

Here are tooth problems that do not require emergency dental care for treatment:

  • Occasional gum bleeding
  • Dull toothache
  • Lost crown, bridge, or filling
  • A cracked or broken tooth that is not painful
  • Damaged or broken retainer/night guard
  • Food that is lodged between the teeth that cannot be taken out

Although these problems may be uncomfortable, they’re reasonably easy to treat and will not worsen in a short time. However, it is still important to have these addressed as early as possible to lessen discomfort. If any of these begin to cause pain, such as a cracked tooth, it progresses into a dental emergency.

What To Do In A Dental Emergency

If you’ve determined that your situation is a dental emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate treatment. Be sure to contact your dentist right away, as they can schedule the soonest available appointment for you and address the problem. 

However, if your regular dentist is out of town or cannot accommodate your concern, be sure to reach out to an emergency dental care service. They can accommodate you right away and take care of your dental emergency promptly and efficiently. 

Even if you have never experienced a dental emergency, it’s essential to be prepared. Have a list of contact numbers readily available so that you’ll have an easier time reaching a qualified dentist. Apart from your regular dentist, be sure to include the numbers of emergency dental care services. That way, you have a procedure in place while keeping calm and reassured.

Conclusion

Although dental emergencies can be frightening and painful, knowing what to do will ensure that you’re prepared for it. Understanding the different tooth problems and what qualifies as a dental emergency will also help you determine whether or not you need to seek emergency care. By keeping these in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to prevent a dental emergency while also being ready to handle one in case it happens.

If you’re looking for an emergency dental clinic in Edmonton, be sure to visit us at Edmonton Smiles. We offer a range of dental services, from emergency care, cosmetic dentistry, to dentistry for kids. We’re focused on providing each client with an affordable, gentle, and comfortable experience. Book your appointment with us today!

Posted in Dental Emergencies