There are several different types of dental emergencies that warrant an immediate call to your dentist. It is important that you know what type of dental issues to keep an eye out for so you can take the appropriate type of action. In some situations, getting to the dentist quickly can make the difference between saving a tooth or losing it. Keep reading to learn about four of the signs that indicate you have a dental emergency.
Over-the-counter pain medication does not alleviate the pain
Mild dental pain is something that should concern you, but it is not necessarily a sign that you should make an emergency appointment with your dentist. If the pain is intermittent and can be managed with OTC pain medication, then you can likely schedule an appointment during regular business hours to be seen by your dentist. However, if you cannot find relief from the pain even after taking OTC pain medicine, you may have a dental emergency. Constant and severe dental pain needs to be addressed as quickly as possible so it does not continue to worsen and become unbearable.
Pain is keeping your from sleeping, eating, and functioning
If the dental pain you are experiencing keeps you from being able to sleep, eat, and function in general, then you have a dental emergency. Pain that prevents you from doing the things that are necessary parts of life needs to be addressed immediately by your dentist. This type of pain is only going to worsen over time until you have your dentist provide you with the appropriate type of treatment. Pain at this level often indicates the presence of a cavity or some type of infection.
You sustained an injury that chipped or cracked your tooth
Any type of sudden trauma to one of your teeth constitutes a dental emergency. If you chip or crack one of your teeth, put an emergency call into your dentist immediately. In some situations, a crack or chip only impacts the surface of the tooth and becomes a cosmetic issue. But trauma to your tooth can cause unseen damage to the root and lead to tooth death or loss over time. Call your dentist for an emergency appointment if you experience a trauma to your teeth that results in a crack or chip. Quick action on your part may help you save your tooth.
Your tooth was knocked loose or knocked out
If you have a tooth that gets knocked loose or knocked out, it is a dental emergency. The only hope you have of saving that tooth is to get to your dentist as quickly as possible. It is a good idea to keep the emergency contact information of your dentist in an easy-to-access place so you can get to it quickly if this type of situation arises.
Dental emergencies can cause a significant amount of pain and stress. When the emergency is related to pain, you will likely be able to get relief right away with the help of your dentist. If the emergency is related to injury, the results are a little less predictable. Even with immediate intervention from a dentist, it is not always possible to save an injured tooth. When you have a dental emergency, do your best to act quickly to protect yourself from continued pain and the possibility of tooth death or loss.
