When to See an Emergency Dentist: 6 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
When it comes to dental health, some issues can wait for a regular dental appointment, while others require immediate attention from an emergency dentist. Ignoring the signs of a dental emergency can lead to more severe problems, pain, and costly treatments down the road. Knowing when to see an emergency dentist can help you protect your oral health and avoid complications. At Chinook Mall Family Dental Clinic, we recognize that dental emergencies are just as critical as any other medical emergency, which is why we are dedicated to providing prompt, effective care when you need it most. Here are six signs that indicate it’s time to see an emergency dentist without delay.
Seek your Emergency Dental Help if you Experience Intense Tooth Pain
Inadequate brushing and lossing can lead to plaque buildup, a sticky film of bacteria and food particles that forms on your teeth. If not removed regularly, plaque hardens into tartar, which is yellow or brown and can only be removed by your dentist. Plaque and tartar absorb pigments from foods and drinks, causing surface stains and making your teeth appear yellow. Additionally, the acids produced by plaque bacteria can erode enamel, revealing the naturally yellow dentin beneath. Maintaining a thorough oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and having regular dental cleanings, is essential to prevent plaque buildup and keep your teeth white and healthy.
Your Tooth Has Been Knocked Out
A knocked-out tooth, or avulsed tooth, is a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. When a tooth is dislodged from its socket due to trauma, like a sports injury or accident, the surrounding tissues and nerves are damaged, and the cells on the root surface start to die quickly. Acting fast—ideally within 30 minutes to an hour—is essential to increase the chances of saving the tooth. Carefully handle the tooth by the crown, rinse it with water without scrubbing, and, if possible, place it back into its socket. If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist in milk, saline solution, or saliva, but avoid water as it can harm the root cells.
Getting to an emergency dentist quickly is crucial. Your Calgary dentist can stabilize the tooth with a splint to help it reattach. Even if more time has passed, emergency care is still necessary to explore options for saving the tooth or finding alternative solutions to restore oral health.
If Your Adult Tooth is Loose, Visit an Emergency Dentist
Loose teeth in adults are a serious issue that should never be ignored. Unlike children’s teeth, which naturally loosen as part of development, adult teeth should remain firmly anchored. Looseness can result from advanced gum disease (periodontitis), trauma, severe decay, or grinding and clenching (bruxism). If a loose tooth is painful or significantly wiggling, it may indicate an infection or injury requiring urgent care.
Contacting your Calgary dentist immediately is crucial, as a loose tooth could signify an abscess or trauma that can lead to further damage if untreated. An emergency dentist can assess the situation through an examination and possibly X-rays to determine the extent of damage or infection. Treatment may include deep cleaning, splinting the tooth for stabilization, or extraction if necessary. Prompt care is essential to manage pain, prevent further complications, and restore oral health.
Your Tooth is Cracked or Broken
Cracked or broken teeth are common dental emergencies that require prompt care. They can occur from biting down on hard foods, facial trauma, or weakened tooth structure due to untreated cavities. Cracks in a tooth can cause pain, sensitivity, or discomfort and, if left untreated, can deepen and lead to infection, nerve damage, or tooth loss. An emergency dentist can assess the damage and recommend treatments such as bonding for minor cracks, crowns to protect the tooth, or extraction if the tooth is beyond repair.
If a tooth is lost due to a severe crack or fracture, a dental bridge can be a suitable restorative option. A dental bridge replaces missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent healthy teeth or implants, restoring the look of a full smile and maintaining the alignment of surrounding teeth. An emergency dentist can provide a temporary bridge and, after healing, recommend a permanent solution to restore function and aesthetics, ensuring you can chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
Visit Your Emergency Dentist if You Have Swollen or Bleeding Gums
Swollen or bleeding gums can indicate various dental issues, from mild gum disease to serious conditions needing urgent care. While light gum bleeding may result from aggressive brushing and isn’t always an emergency, sudden, unexplained swelling or heavy bleeding is a major concern. These symptoms could suggest a severe infection, like an abscess, or advanced gum disease (periodontitis), both of which can lead to significant pain and risk of spreading infection if untreated.
A dental abscess is a painful, swollen pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It often appears as a swollen bump on the gum, causing severe pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a bad taste in the mouth. An abscess is a serious condition that can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated, making it essential to see an emergency dentist right away for drainage and antibiotics.
You’ve Experienced Swelling in the Jaw or Face
Swelling in the jaw or face is a serious symptom that often signals a significant dental issue, such as an abscess, cellulitis, or a deep infection. These conditions can arise from untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or an injury that allows bacteria to spread into the soft tissues of the mouth and jaw. If swelling is accompanied by fever, a bad taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, or breathing issues, it may indicate that the infection is spreading, potentially leading to severe complications like cellulitis or Ludwig’s angina.
In such cases, it is crucial to seek emergency dental care immediately. Your Calgary emergency dentist can perform a thorough examination, including X-rays or other imaging, to determine the infection’s source and provide prompt treatment. This may involve draining an abscess, prescribing antibiotics, or performing a root canal or extraction to remove the infected tissue. Early intervention is vital to controlling the infection, reducing pain, and preventing potentially life-threatening outcomes.
Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly and often require immediate attention to prevent more serious health issues and costly treatments. Recognizing the signs that indicate the need for an emergency dentist—such as intense tooth pain, a knocked-out or loose tooth, cracked or broken teeth, swollen or bleeding gums, and swelling in the jaw or face—is crucial for maintaining your oral health and avoiding complications. At Chinook Mall Family Dental Clinic, we are committed to providing prompt, effective care for all dental emergencies. Our experienced team is ready to address your urgent dental needs, offering treatments that range from managing infections and repairing broken teeth to saving knocked-out teeth and stabilizing loose ones. Don’t wait for a minor issue to become a major problem—if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us immediately for the care you need to protect your smile and overall health. Call us at 403.252.7711 and save our number in your phone so you can quickly book your emergency dental appointment!
