When Do You Need an Emergency Dentist?
Dental problems are common and they vary in scope and severity. Most of these dental issues go away on their own while some persist to the point that they require emergency dental care. How do you know when to visit an emergency dentist? Determining the symptoms and their severity will help you decide when you are due for a dentist visit.
When Do You Need an Emergency Dentist – Signs and Symptoms
These are the tell-tale signs that you should make an emergency appointment with your dentist.
1. Cracked or broken tooth
A broken tooth is one of the most common dental emergencies. If you chipped your tooth, you don’t need to rush to your dentist’s office. But if you knocked out an entire tooth and you are suffering from extreme pain, an emergency dental visit is required.
Delaying care when you’ve knocked out a tooth can cause infection or decay. Therefore, you need to visit your dentist to get relief and the possibility of re-inserting the tooth (if you saved it).
2. Intense toothache
If you have intense and excruciating tooth pain, you must visit your dentist right away. You could try at-home solutions for the pain but if none of them are working, then you deserve immediate dental care.
If you are only experiencing moderate pain, which subsides with anti-pain medication, you can wait for a few days to see if your condition improves. But if the pain is constant or you have difficulty eating or speaking, you might be dealing with significant tooth decay. It is essential to visit your dentist for emergency care to identify what is causing the pain and to provide immediate relief.
Other signs to see your emergency dentist due to tooth pain are when you are unable to sleep at night or perform your routine tasks.
3. Bleeding and swollen gums
Bleeding gums are a common problem, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease. However, excessive bleeding is a dental emergency. It is crucial to see an emergency dentist when the bleeding comes with pain and swollen gums.
Excessive gum bleeding is a sign of periodontal disease. Make sure to have your dentist check it so they can recommend the best treatment.
4. Swollen jaw or mouth
Several factors can lead to a swollen jaw. It could be due to an infection or swollen lymph nodes. It could also be due to gum disease. Make sure to get emergency dental care so your dentist can assess the cause, especially if you are dealing with pain.
5. Tasting metal in the mouth
If you can taste metal in your mouth, it could be a sign that your crown or filling is loose. You need emergency dental care because an open filling is prone to infection and cavities, especially if you wait too long to have it fixed.
Choosing an Emergency Dentist in Edmonton
Not all dental clinics in Edmonton offer emergency care. Therefore, a quick Google search will provide you with several options for emergency dental care providers in Edmonton and nearby areas. If possible, choose a dental clinic that has been around for many years to ensure that they have a solid reputation and that you can get the highest quality of dental care on your visit.
These clinics do not require a prior appointment, so you can go in any time you have a dental problem and get the care you deserve for your dental issue.